June 2025
State on the Democracy Shield
Our statement on the democracy shield outlines our stance – that a human-centred approach to security must be implemented. This approach is one that must protect people’s well-being, and must include protection of democratic structures, a crucial element in fighting any authoritarian attempts to obtain power.
October 2024
Q&A: The proposed Directive on third-country interest representation
This document aims to answer key questions about the scope of the proposed Directive on third-country interest representation regarding:
- Research and academic freedom
- Foreign interference in Europe
- Foreign interest representation legislation outside of the EU
- Disinformation, media and social media
- Freedoms of association and expression
April 2024
CSOs’ briefing paper: the Defence of Democracy Package’ Directive on foreign interest representation
This briefing paper analyses the ‘Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries‘.
It outlines civil society organisations’ primary concerns and why we believe the proposal fails to address the fundamental rights issues raised during the consultation process. The document has been prepared by the informal coalition on the Defence of democracy Package coordinated by Civil Society Europe with the contribution of 10 civil society organisations (CSOs). Read more
January 2024
Open letter: Universities and civil society express concerns about the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package
Civil Society Europe and The European University Association (EUA) voiced their concerns over the planned directive on covert foreign interference —as part of the Defence of Democracy package announced on 12 December 2023— in a letter sent to the European Parliament, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European, and the Permanent Representatives of the Member States.
December 2023
Observation on EU law compatibility of transparency legislation on foreign funding for interest representation
September 2023
Joint Civil Society Response to the Questionnaire on the EU Defence of Democracy Package
At the end of July, the European Commission shared a questionnaire with several civil society organisations to seek input on the Defence of Democracy Package. This follows a decision to postpone the package and conduct an impact assessment. This paper is a joint response to the questionnaire that seeks input on a proposed measure to address foreign interference in EU decision making. It sets out concerns, likely implications, and possible alternative solutions.
April 2023
Joint Civil Society Contribution to the Defence of Democracy Package
February 2023
Joint letter on the EU Defence of Democracy Package
To Vice-President Jourová, Vice-President Šuica, Commissioner Reynders.
Read more
October 2022
Building a Resilient Democracy and a strong and vibrant civic space
Preliminary Proposals from Civil Society on the Defense of Democracy Package.
September 2020
Civil Society Europe Statement on the European Democracy Action Plan
Recognition and Support to civil society organisations must be a key element of a future action plan on Democracy.
September 2020
A comprehensive plan to innovate democracy in Europe
Civil society’s vision for the European Democracy Action Plan.