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Stichting Hivos (Humanistisch Instituut voor Ontwikkelings Samenwerking)

Hivos

Hivos is an international development organization guided by humanist values.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU Civil Society Strategy

21 Aug 2025

This Call for Evidence for an EU Civil Society Strategy comes at a moment of unprecedented pressure on civic space worldwide, when governments increasingly deploy legal, digital, and financial tools to silence dissent and restrict fundamental freedoms. Having worked for decades alongside marginalized and underrepresented communities, Hivos emphasizes in its contribution that civil society is not only a partner in development but a vital pillar of democracy itself. We argue that the EU Civil Society Strategy must go beyond being a policy document. It must be an ambitious, action-oriented framework that protects, supports, and engages civic actors both inside and outside the EU. A strong strategy can institutionalize early warnings, ensure sustainable funding, and safeguard both offline and online civic rights. Our submission stresses that this strategy represents more than technical reform: it is a critical expression of Europes commitment to human rights, inclusive governance, and democratic resilience. At a time where civic space is shrinking and disinformation is on the rise, the EU has an opportunity to show principled leadership by embedding civil society support at the heart of its internal and external action. We offer concrete recommendations in our full submission below to ensure the Civil Society Strategy becomes a transformative instrument for strengthening democracy, protecting civic space, and amplifying the voices of those most at risk.
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Meeting with Chiara Adamo (Head of Unit Directorate-General for International Partnerships)

27 Mar 2025 ยท Civic space and human rights initiatives