Threats to civic space. Why we need to act now.

This policy paper is part of a ClientEarth series addressing the growing challenges posed by efforts to roll back environmental protections and restrict civic space in the EU. Attacks on, and lack of enforcement of, key legislative frameworks threaten the protection of people, the planet, and public health.

Content

• The growing threats to civic space
• Why do we need to protect civil society organisations?
• Our calls for the upcoming EU Civil Society Strategy

Background
In response to the European Commission’s June 2025 public consultation and ahead of the publication of the EU Civil Society Strategy, this policy briefing by ClientEarth underlines growing and systemic threats faced by CSOs and offers concrete recommendations to ensure their protection, meaningful participation, and sustainable support across the EU – as the bloc’s own law requires.