Across Europe, civic space is under increasing pressure. Fundamental rights such as the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, and expression are being challenged by repressive trends and authoritarianism. Civil society across Europe has long advocated for mechanisms that detect and respond to these threats to civic space early on.
The EU Early Warning and Alert System (EWAS), a civil society-led initiative developed through the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS) project, is one such response. Published by the Civic Space Watch (CSW) platform and reinforced by the Net4Defenders project, it serves as a critical tool to identify early warning signs and to trigger timely action by EU institutions, international organisations, media, and human rights actors.
Join us for an open webinar to explore how the EWAS contributes to protecting civic space and democratic values across Europe. This session is an opportunity for civil society organisations, EU stakeholders, national actors, and allies to engage, exchange insights, and co-create stronger protective mechanisms for civic space.
What to expect?
- Introducing the EU civic space EWAS:
What it is, why it matters, and how it fits into the civic space protection ecosystem. - From Reaction to Prevention:
A conversation on shifting the strategy from reactive responses to preventive civic space protection. - Voices from the ground – Civic space trends in Europe:
Civil society actors from the national level will share examples of civic space deterioration, early warning signs, and trends observed in their countries. - Open discussion and collective reflection:
Share your experiences of civic space deterioration and democratic backsliding, as well as feedback and ideas for strengthening the EWAS and making it more accessible and impactful.
What?
Webinar: Early Warning and Alert System as part of civic space protection in Europe
When?
10 April at 11:00-12:30 CET
Where?
Online – link will be sent to registered participants.
For whom?
Civil society organisations, activists, policymakers, journalists, donors, and civil society allies
MACS: Monitoring Action for Civic Space project is co-funded by the European Union.
It is implemented by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, European Civic Forum, Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, Foreningen Nyt Europa, Le Mouvement associatif, Okotars Alapitvany, Netherlands Helsinki Committe, Ogolnopolska Federacja Organizacji Pozarzadowych and the Fundația pentru Dezvoltarea Societății Civile.
