Safeguarding Civic Space for Young People in Europe
Over the years, we have, unfortunately, witnessed a crackdown against civil society, including youth organisations, in various European countries. This trend is continuing in 2020, with extremely worrying signs that the COVID-19 health crisis is being used to gain political control, putting many dimensions of civic space under threat. With our new study, Safeguarding Civic Space for Young People in Europe, the European Youth Forum aims to put the spotlight on challenges faced by youth organisations in Europe.
Related publications
Safeguarding Independent National Youth Councils and Guaranteeing the Stability of Youth Policy in Europe
The independence of National Youth Councils across Europe is under threat, requiring urgent political action. This motion supports the European Youth Forum’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 to strengthen democracy, protect civic space, and defend youth organisations from political interference.
Protecting civil society and civic spaces in Georgia
In March 2023, the Government of Georgia initiated work on a legislative proposal on “foreign agents” that would have forced civil society organisations to be registered as being under foreign influence should they be receiving funding from sources outside of the country. As Georgia initiated negotiations for EU membership merely 6 months ago, this underscores how fragile Democracy and the Rule of Law are in our societies and how civic spaces must be protected tirelessly every day, everywhere.
Youth Progress Index: Youth Progress and Civic Space
Civil society organisations play a critical role in amplifying the voices of marginalised and vulnerable groups, highlighting the key challenges they face and ensuring that their concerns reach diverse audiences. However, recent years have been marked by a disturbing trend of shrinking civic spaces, including those of youth organisations.