Civil society organisations (CSOs) are the backbone of democracy in Europe and Central Asia, yet they face increasing threats from political polarisation, authoritarian trends, and structural barriers. The forthcoming EU Civil Society Strategy is a crucial opportunity to strengthen protection for NGOs, particularly those serving marginalised communities and working on intersectional issues. In this paper, we outline key concerns and

On the possibilities of democracy in Europe’s civil society ruins  Civil society is collapsing. While across Europe, far-right groups are rising, taking parts in governing coalitions and spreading hate against human rights defenders, in the US, Donald Trump has demolished USAID and cancelled overnight major funding for human rights worldwide.  The NGO era, some say, is over. According to this

By refusing to act, the European Commission enabled the ban and left activists alone to defend fundamental rights. A joint declaration by ILGA-Europe, Forbidden Colours, Reclaim, OII Europe and EL*C In March 2025, the Hungarian parliament adopted a law explicitly banning Pride events — a direct attack on the freedom of assembly and expression. A law that clearly violates EU

As a broad coalition of European civil society organisations, we have sent the following letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and several European Commissioners. In it, we express deep concerns about recent developments threatening civil society across the EU — including restrictive co-funding requirements and alarming attempts to curtail advocacy activities. At a time of shrinking resources and growing

1. Political Context and Purpose of the Campaign In 2022, we marched boldly through Budapest in a Dyke March, defying oppression and standing proud as lesbians, as activists, as a community. Today, as the Orbán government escalates its attack on fundamental freedoms by attempting to ban Pride altogether, we rise once again—in solidarity with our Hungarian sisters and in defence

This year, WAVE—the European network of women’s specialist services combating gender-based violence—and EL*C—the European network dedicated to LBTI women and communities—are joining forces to offer a unique training and advocacy experience. We will welcome 15 EL*C members and 12 WAVE members to join us in Brussels from 4 to 6 November 2025! This year, we will focus on strengthening our

On May 20th, 2025, the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C) proudly participated in the 12th European IDAHOT+ Forum in Valletta, Malta — a significant edition in which, for the first time, a dedicated space was created for LBTI women within the official programme. Our Advocacy Director, Ilaria Todde, contributed to both a main panel and a thematic parallel session, bringing to