The funding for civil society organizations in the EU is declining due to economic difficulties and a rise in authoritarianism, leading to increased threats and hate campaigns against them.
The article discusses the growing threats and hate campaigns against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the European Union, emphasizing the need for a vibrant and sustainable democracy supported by a strong civil society. It highlights how recent geopolitical challenges and the proximity of war have resulted in reduced funding for civil society groups, which are essential for sustaining democracy. Economic hardships and rising inflation have made financial contributions from the public less generous, complicating the ability of these organizations to operate effectively.
Experts, including Polish civil society specialist Eva Kulika-Bielinska, point out that many authoritarian and anti-democratic forces are gaining power across several countries, which has fostered an environment of intimidation and threats against civil society. These forces often lead campaigns portraying NGOs as ineffective or misusing funds, further jeopardizing their operations. The director of
