Council Conclusions on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The role of the civic space in protecting and promoting fundamental rights in the EU

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 10 March 2023, concerning the role of civic space in protecting and promoting fundamental rights in the European Union (EU).

Further information:

The conclusions emphasise the role played by freedom of association in ensuring a democratic and pluralist society. Unjustified restrictions to the operating space of civil society organisations and human rights defenders can present a threat to the rule of law.

The Council invites EU Member States to safeguard and promote an enabling environment for civil society organisations and human rights defenders. It calls on them to protect the civic space, and to tackle challenges related to funding. They are also invited to empower civil society organisations by ensuring meaningful participation when drafting and implementing legislation and policy measures. The Council also invites the European Commission to enable civil society organisations and human rights defenders to contribute at relevant steps of decision-making and to be involved in a meaningful way across policy and legislative areas.

These conclusions were adopted by the Council of the European Union on 10 March 2023, and build on the Commission's annual report on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 10/03/2023: Fundamental rights: Council approves conclusions on the role of the civic space https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/03/10/fundamental-rights-council-approves-conclusions-on-the-role-of-the-civic-space/

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