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ECNL's dedicated team works to protect and expand the space for people to gather, organise and take action. We promote laws, policies and practices that make this possible. ECNL is bold, collaborative and forward-looking.

Tech and AI

How AI is powering transnational repression

Recent news and research

Monitoring Civic Spaces

European CSOs publish seven new country reports on civic space trends across the EU

Recent news and research

Tech and AI

Five critical lessons from three years of DSA risk assessments

Recent news and research

Action for Civic Space

The Future of Civil Societies

Recent news and research

Tech and AI

A Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments (FRIA)

Recent news and research

Highlighted tools

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ECNL Learning Center

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Learn more about critical aspects that affect civic space.

Global Nonprofits Guide

Navigate the nonprofit laws around the world with our online tool.

CSO Meter

Assess and advocate for an improved civil society environment in the Eastern Partnership countries.

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Strategic guide for CSOs on the move

Explore scenarios, strategic advice and resources for CSOs that face growing restrictions in their home countries and consider hybrid modes of operations.

Focus areas

We are committed to safeguarding the spaces for civic action, building a resilient civil society, mobilising support and building foresight. Explore our focus areas!

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Technology and Artificial Intelligence

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Security and Counter-terrorism

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Protests and Assemblies

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Participation

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Funding and Philanthropy

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UN Standards

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European policies

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Action for Civic Space

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Monitoring Civic Spaces

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Climate Action

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News & Research

We share updates, stories, resources and analyses to protect spaces for action and inspire change. Read our latest news!

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Tech and AI

How AI is powering transnational repression

This scoping study examines the growing use of digital technologies by governments to suppress dissent beyond their borders, with a particular focus on how AI is transforming transnational repression.

Research

Tech and AI

Five critical lessons from three years of DSA risk assessments

Our new policy brief analyses platform risk assessments, and sets out how they can be strengthened to become meaningful tools for transparency under the EU Digital Services Act.

Research

Monitoring Civic Spaces

Fourth Civic Space Watch alerts under MACS

Here are the latest developments in European civic space emerging from the Early Warning and Alert System, developed as part of the MACS (Monitoring Action for Civic Space) project.

News

Security/CT

When national security becomes a shield for evading AI accountability

To protect fundamental rights, AI-enabled national security initiatives require urgent limits, says ECNL in Tech Policy Press blog.

News

Monitoring Civic Spaces

European CSOs publish seven new country reports on civic space trends across the EU

Based on a new methodology, the MACS reports reveal the trends that shaped civic action in 2025 and identify next steps needed to protect it.

News

Security/CT

Financial access of human rights defenders in exile

Read our policy paper with targeted recommedations to the EU, governments and banks to ensure defenders' financial inclusion in the EU.

Research

UN Standards

Stronger protection for freedom of association ahead: UN HRC General Comment No. 38

Read the joint submission from ECNL and ICNL on the aspects that we believe should be prioritised in the next UN HRC General Comment.

News

Tech and AI

A Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments (FRIA)

Developed by ECNL and DIHR, this new guide lays out a clear roadmap for putting FRIAs into practice meaningfully, as strategic tools for responsible AI use.

Research

Tech and AI

A framework for AI systems that truly serve the communities they affect: ECNL's Framework for Meaningful Engagement

Here is a quick overview of the key elements of the updated FME 2.0, a tool to distinguish deep, substantive engagement from superficial consultation.

News