OpenLobby.EU
Explore

International Commission of Jurists

ICJ

Composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world, the International Commission of Jurists promotes and protects human rights through the Rule of Law, by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU Civil Society Strategy

5 Sept 2025

The ICJ welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the EU Civil Society Strategy. Rule of law protection across the EU It is vital that there are effective EU mechanisms to respond to violations of the rule of law in EU Member States. The independence, impartiality and accountability of the judiciary, as well as the independence of lawyers and prosecutors, are fundamental to the Rule of Law and to the legal protection of human rights, yet all are facing heightened challenges from governments and other powerful actors in many countries across all regions of the world, including within the EU. The overall environment for civil society organisations (CSOs) in the EU has become increasingly challenging, particularly for those engaged in human rights, democratic accountability, and advocacy work. Despite growing threats to CSOs and human rights defenders (HRDs), protection efforts across the EU remain fragmented, underfunded, and unevenly accessible. Within the EU, there is considerable expertise and resources but no EU-wide, dedicated institutional mechanism to document restrictions and attacks with systemic follow up, nor an overarching framework to ensure access to support for HRDs and CSOs across the region. In particular, there is: - No regional protection mechanism for HRDs and civil society within the EU. The EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and initiatives such as the platform ProtectDefenders.eu or the EU System for Enabling Environments (EU SEE) focus exclusively on the protection of human rights defenders outside the EU; - No rapid response funding for HRDs and CSOs in the EU to support urgent protection measures; - No follow-up on reprisals by Members States related to engagement with EU institutions; - No direct link between reporting and concrete action. As a result, EU-based HRDs and CSOs at risk are left without established support - particularly in emergencies. The ICJ recommends: EU-wide Monitoring and Alert Mechanism: a coordinated, evidence-based system to monitor civic space restrictions, identify early warning signs, and trigger a fast-track EU response. It should build on and complement civil society and FRA monitoring, and include a clear mandate for EU institutions to follow-up on registered complaints. EU guidelines for preventive action and response to civic space deterioration: define clear guidelines outlining both legal and non-legal EU measures to address civic space deterioration, including structured engagement with national authorities. EU-wide Protection Mechanism for HRDs and CSOs within the EU: A flexible instrument offering emergency financial, legal and psycho-social support to defenders and organisations under attack, and coordinating national and EU-level protection efforts including civil society protection hubs and solidarity networks. Investment in quality justice and justice actors: to support the promotion of the Rule of Law, the EU should invest in building the capacity of legal professionals including judges, prosecutors and lawyers to uphold the rule of law, and support efforts to strengthen the engagement of national parliaments on rule of law issues. Impact assessment: carry out a systematic civic space impact assessment for all legislative and regulatory proposals, to ensure that EU policies support rather than restrict civic space. MFF: ensure strong structural support in the new MFF through directly managed funding programmes dedicated to civil society in the field of equality, rights and values, as well as in external action funds and other relevant areas. Increase the overall funding allocation to Operating Grants, ensure their predictability and accessibility, and simplify and harmonize administrative procedures across different programmes. Explicitly include advocacy as an eligible activity for all EU funding.
Read full response

Meeting with Kaja Kallas (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President) and

24 Jan 2025 · State of play on various issues related to political developments in Türkiye

Meeting with Ana Catarina Mendes (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Amnesty International Limited and

18 Nov 2024 · Exchange of views on the Rule of Law Report 2024

Meeting with Tineke Strik (Member of the European Parliament) and Amnesty International Limited and

16 Oct 2024 · LIBE Civil Society Meeting

Meeting with Daniel Freund (Member of the European Parliament) and Amnesty International Limited and

16 Oct 2024 · Cooperation on LIBE related matters

Meeting with Pierre Fermigier (Cabinet of High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles)

19 Sept 2024 · The rule of law and human rights crises in Tunisia

Meeting with Udo Bullmann (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Sept 2024 · APA meeting NGO representatives

Meeting with Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Amnesty International Limited and

7 Sept 2023 · Situation in Hungary

Meeting with Tineke Strik (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Jul 2023 · human rights in Tunesia

Meeting with Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Amnesty International Limited and

7 Sept 2022 · Situation in Hungary

Meeting with Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Reporters sans frontières and

24 Mar 2022 · Situation in Hungary

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (First Vice-President)

17 Feb 2016 · Roundtable Fundamental Rights