The Council of Europe Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM) is looking for input to the draft text of the revised Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to members states on the legal status of civil society organisations.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are fundamental for the development, realisation and protection of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, through the promotion of public awareness, participation in public life and by securing the transparency and accountability of public authorities. Yet, for several years now, the space for civil society to engage and operate is shrinking across Europe. Restrictive laws, policies and measures aim at stifling critical voices; CSOs and human rights defenders increasingly face threats and violence, both offline and online.

Member states of the Council of Europe have committed to actively protect and promote a safe and enabling environment for CSOs. This includes updating the existing recommendation on the legal status of NGOs, dating back to 2007.

Why a public consultation? The purpose of this consultation is to ensure that the text of the revised Recommendation benefits from the views of a variety of actors before finalising the text and submitting it for approval to the CDDEM.

Who can participate? The CDDEM is inviting input from a wide range of interested stakeholders such as civil society organisations, academia, professional organisations, interested individuals, etc.

When will the consultation close? The public consultation will remain open until the 10 September 2025.

How can input be sent? Comments can be submitted in writing in English or French by email to [email protected]. Please indicate: “GT-CS public consultation – submitted by [name]” in the email object.

The draft text of the revised Recommendation can be consulted here.

More information on the work of CDDEM on a safe and enabling civil space and the working group on civil society participation.