The CDDEM is working on the protection and promotion of civil society space, including by updating the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe and providing guidance to enhance civil society participation in Council of Europe work.

 Links, Reference & Background Documents:

• Safe and enabling civic space - Recommendation on the legal status of civil society organisations in Europe
• Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe
• Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)11 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the need to strengthen the protection and promotion of civil society space in Europe
• SG Roadmap on Civil Society Engagement
• European Court of Human Rights: Guide on Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights – Freedom of assembly and association
• Expert Council of NGO Law: The legal space for non-governmental organisations in Europe

 Document adopted by the CDDEM:

• Guidance note on civil society participation in the intergovernmental work of the Council of Europe (2024)

See also:

• Civil society 
• INGO's