On 17 and 18 February 2025, the working group on civil society participation (GT-CS) met in Strasbourg to discuss the updating of Recommendation CM (2007)14 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe.

Participants exchanged on how member states can ensure a safe an enabling environment for the establishment and continued operation of civil society organisations. The group reflected, among other topics, on constraints imposed on foreign civil society organisations (CSOs) to operate in their host countries, especially when they are forced to re-locate, on the adoption of provisions specifically targeting CSOs working on certain issues such as minority rights or preventing them to advocate on issues of public debate, especially if they are regarded as representing a foreign interest.

A new recommendation will be finalised by the end of 2025 and submitted for adoption by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in early 2026.

The GT-CS is a working group of experts from member states of the Council of Europe created under the authority of the Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM) to enhance the meaningful participation of civil society in democratic life.