This paper centers on the FRA's emphasis on EU funding for civil society organizations to enhance democracy and policy execution. It highlights the critical need to continue financial backing for groups dedicated to fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The input was part of a public consultation regarding EU funding for various sectors, including cross-border education, training, solidarity, youth, media, culture, creative industries, values, and civil society.
In this resource, the FRA underscores the European Commission's vital role as an independent funder for civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and activists who face real threats and attacks. It details the ideal framework and implementation of funding for civil society initiatives in the forthcoming EU budget.
The submission is based on the latest evidence gathered by the FRA, which shows a notable decrease in public funding for NGOs. About half of the nearly 400 NGOs that participated in the FRA's consultation on civic space challenges reported experiencing unexpected funding reductions, cuts, or complete freezes over the past year, particularly from national governments.
