The Conference of INGOs has just published the two country visit reports that summarise findings from the fact-finding visits to Denmark (11-13 May 2026) and Montenegro (22-25 June 2026). The reports were discussed, with participation of the representatives from the Permanent Representations of both countries to the Council of Europe, and subsequently endorsed by CINGO’s General Assembly at its recent Autumn session (Strasbourg, 28 September - 2 October 2026).
These visits focused on civil society participation in the decision-making process in different sectors of public policies and public affairs, and the current state of the civic space in those countries. The visits were organised in partnership with the authorities of the countries and two partnering NGOs (Nyt Europa in Denmark and the Centre for Civic Education in Montenegro). Meetings took place with a variety of civil society organisations, as well as with representatives of governmental and State institutions, and local authorities.
Denmark continues to provide a strong, broadly enabling environment for civil society, with protected freedom of association, established cooperation with public authorities, regular consultations and diverse funding sources. The visit nevertheless identified emerging pressures—not a general deterioration of civic space—including growing administrative burdens, concerns that advocacy and criticism may be viewed as overly political, and funding changes that could affect organisations’ independence and long-term sustainability. The report also noted scope to strengthen participation and access to information, particularly for Greenlandic communities, and concerns about hostile public debate and the ability of minority and other marginalised groups to participate fully. CINGO described Denmark’s tradition of trust and cooperation as an important asset, while noting that maintaining it depends on respecting civil society’s independence.
Montenegro’s legal and institutional framework for the functioning of NGOs and their participation in decision-making largely complies with Council of Europe standards. But the central finding of the report is that the framework and the practice have come apart. What civil society representatives have consistently highlighted is the lack of impact of engagement and consultation mechanisms, leading to a growing disengagement of civil society with public calls for participation on public collegial bodies starting to attract no candidates at all. Civil society representatives also raised concerns about opaque NGO grant processes and criteria that may disadvantage smaller or newer organisations. They also pointed to delays in public-administration reform, limited media diversity, barriers to effective legal remedies, resource constraints affecting oversight institutions, gaps in support for marginalised groups, weaknesses in environmental and healthcare oversight, delays in access to information and ineffective digital services.
Comments from Danish Government
Address of the Permanent Representative of Denmark to the Council of Europe
