As part of ongoing European efforts to support the role of civil society and protect civic space, institutions concerned with human rights continue to develop consultation and assessment tools to ensure broader and more effective participation of civil society organizations in shaping public policies.
The International Shield Organization has received an official invitation from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) to participate in a survey aimed at assessing the challenges faced by civil society organizations during 2025, as well as collecting proposals to help further develop this sector.
This initiative comes ضمن annual consultations conducted by the Agency since 2018, with the aim of providing a clearer picture of the state of civic space and supporting decision-makers with data that helps them develop policies more aligned with the needs of organizations.
The survey also helps monitor changes within civil society, especially in light of growing challenges such as restrictions on civic work, financial pressures, and limited opportunities for participation in some contexts.
Scope of Participation
The survey covers a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Civil society organizations in European Union countries
- Organizations operating at the European level
- Organizations in the Balkans, such as Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia
This diversity reflects the importance of gathering varied perspectives and experiences to better understand the reality of civic space.
Key Focus Areas of the Survey
The survey focuses on several important aspects, including:
- The overall state of civic space
- Threats facing organizations
- Financial challenges and sustainability
- Level of participation in decision-making
- Ways to protect and strengthen civic space
It also includes some general questions about the nature of the organizations’ work.
Importance of the Results
The results of this survey are expected to contribute to:
- Supporting European Union policies related to civil society
- Providing accurate information to decision-makers
- Strengthening cooperation between institutions and organizations
- Highlighting key civic space issues
The results will be published and shared with relevant stakeholders, including European institutions, media outlets, and supporting entities.
The International Shield Organization is committed to actively participating in such international surveys, given their importance in amplifying the voice of civil society organizations and supporting efforts to develop a more just and sustainable human rights environment.
Issued by the Media and International Relations Department – International Shield Organization
