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Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe Faces Mounting Pressure

By ChronicleAI06:20 UTC
Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe Faces Mounting Pressure
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Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are facing increasing pressure, threatening their ability to operate freely and effectively. A confluence of factors, including restrictive legislation, shrinking civic space, and rising political polarization, are creating an environment where these organizations, which play a vital role in promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice, are increasingly under threat.

The Rise of "Foreign Agent" Laws

One of the most significant challenges facing CSOs in the region is the proliferation of "foreign agent" laws. These laws, often modeled after similar legislation in Russia, require organizations receiving foreign funding to register as "foreign agents" or organizations "serving the interests of a foreign power." This designation carries a strong negative connotation, stigmatizing these organizations and undermining their credibility in the eyes of the public.

Several countries in the region have either introduced or are considering such legislation. Hungary, Georgia, Slovakia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have all taken steps in this direction, despite a 2022 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that Russia's foreign agent law violated freedom of expression and association. In March 2024, Kyrgyzstan's parliament overwhelmingly passed a restrictive law on NGOs, mandating onerous reporting requirements on financial, governance, and operational activities for organizations receiving foreign funding.

These laws impose significant burdens on CSOs, including disproportionately high fines and heavy sanctions for non-compliance, potentially leading to the termination of their operations. They also increase reporting and auditing requirements, adding to the administrative burden and diverting resources away from their core missions.

Shrinking Civic Space and Increased Restrictions

Beyond foreign agent laws, CSOs in CEE are experiencing a broader shrinking of civic space. This includes a range of restrictions on their ability to operate, such as:

  • Disadvantageous changes in legislation: Governments are enacting laws that make it more difficult for CSOs to access funding, carry out their activities, or advocate for their causes.
  • Difficulties in accessing decision-makers: CSOs are finding it harder to engage with government officials and participate in policymaking processes.
  • Attacks and harassment of human rights defenders: Individuals working for CSOs are facing increased threats, intimidation, and even violence.
  • Negative narratives and stigmatization: Governments and media outlets are increasingly using negative rhetoric to delegitimize the work of CSOs and promote hostility towards them.

These restrictions are creating an environment of fear and self-censorship, making it more difficult for CSOs to speak out on important issues and hold governments accountable.

Political Polarization and Disinformation

The rise of political polarization in CEE is further exacerbating the challenges facing civil society. In many countries, societies are becoming increasingly divided along political lines, with opposing sides viewing each other as enemies rather than legitimate political adversaries.

This polarization is often fueled by disinformation campaigns, which seek to undermine trust in CSOs and spread false or misleading information about their activities. Pro-Russian disinformation, in particular, is complicating the efforts of CSOs in countries like Hungary and Slovakia.

Political parties sometimes deliberately design the polarization of civil society by creating new organizations and actively supporting existing organizations that side with the government, while defunding and stifling organizations that hold an opposing worldview.

Impact on Specific Areas

The pressure on civil society is having a particularly detrimental impact on certain areas, including:

  • Human rights: Organizations working on human rights issues, such as freedom of expression, minority rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, are facing increased restrictions and hostility.
  • Environmental protection: CSOs advocating for environmental protection are often targeted by governments and corporations seeking to exploit natural resources.
  • Anti-corruption: Organizations fighting corruption are facing resistance from those who benefit from corrupt practices.
  • Support for vulnerable groups: CSOs providing essential services to vulnerable groups, such as migrants, refugees, and children, are at risk of having their funding cut and their operations shut down.

International Response and Support

The international community is increasingly concerned about the situation facing civil society in CEE. The European Union has made available significant funding to support CSOs in the region and has also taken legal action against countries that have enacted restrictive legislation.

Several international organizations, such as the Prague Civil Society Centre, the German Marshall Fund, and the Open Government Partnership, are providing financial and technical assistance to CSOs in CEE. These organizations are also working to raise awareness of the challenges facing civil society and to advocate for policies that protect their rights and freedoms.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, civil society in CEE remains resilient and committed to its mission. To ensure its survival and effectiveness, several steps need to be taken:

  • Strengthening collaboration: CSOs need to strengthen their collaboration with each other, both within and across countries, to share information, coordinate strategies, and build a stronger collective voice.
  • Developing response plans: CSOs need to develop response plans in advance to deal with negative campaigns and other threats.
  • Engaging in civic education: CSOs need to actively engage in civic education to raise awareness of the importance of civil society and to counter disinformation.
  • Increasing constituency: CSOs need to increase their constituency by reaching out to new audiences and building broader support for their work.
  • International support: Continued and increased support from the international community is crucial to help CSOs in CEE overcome the challenges they face.

The future of democracy and human rights in Central and Eastern Europe depends, in part, on the ability of civil society to thrive. By working together and with the support of the international community, CSOs in the region can continue to play a vital role in promoting a more just and equitable society.