Peace and democracy at stake
Democracy is being challenged – in the European Union (EU) and beyond. The Eastern Partnership (EaP) region is going through a turbulent time, with rising repression in Georgia, Belarus and Azerbaijan, continuing war in Ukraine, and a range of political, social and security challenges. Amidst it all, civil society has protected people in emergencies, provided essential services, kept governments accountable and advocated for justice and fairness for all. Often risking their own lives and safety, these heroes continue to work to make their countries better, safer and more prosperous. At the moment, they face a new challenge - the rippling effects of the cuts of USAID, and diversion of aid towards defence spending in many other countries, have left the space for democracy protection severely underfunded.
For almost a decade, ECNL has been fostering the CSO Meter Hub - a regional community of changemakers working to improve the enabling environment for civil society. They have shown admirable resilience in the face of rising repression and multiplying crises. The community of 25 organisations stands as a powerful example of regional cooperation to strengthen civil society's role in fostering democracy and human rights. Working together, the Hub monitors the civil society environment in the region, shares best practices and identifies priorities for reforms, with the shared goal of more stable, secure and inclusive societies.
The European Union and its Member States have been a consistent supporter of democratic initiatives in the EaP region. At the moment, the Union faces its own financial and geopolitical challenges, with citizens relying on it to ensure a more secure and prosperous future. But shared challenges of authoritarianism, foreign interference and ensuring security cannot be tackled without civil society as a strategic partner. Protecting democracy, and an active civil society as its pillar, is indispensable to stability in Europe.
Coming together to tackle shared challenges – CSO Meter Civil Society Days 2025
Shared challenges require a shared strategy, which is why we gathered partners from all 6 countries to facilitate direct exchanges with institutions in Brussels in May 2025. The timing was ideal, with Brussels poised to decide on the financial and strategic direction of civil society of the region.
Over several days, leaders from civil society organisations from across the region, representatives of institutions and international civil society actors discussed the main trends affecting democracy and civil society, anticipation for the future and possible solutions to current and future issues.
During the public event ‘Civil society in the Eastern Partnership: The key to peace in Europe’, CSO Meter experts shared their observations of the civil society environment in their countries, and the role of EU and other actors in democracy promotion in the region.
The keynote speech by Radica Nusdorfer, from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), emphasised the EU's commitment to the region but noted there is a need for a broader coalition of the willing to increase support. She also noted that support for civil society in the EaP region is a strategic investment into the stability of the EU's neighbourhood, which is strongly in the interest of the EU.
The indispensable role of civil society in crisis, was echoed by Nataly Klymova from ISAR Ednannia in Ukraine. She pointed out that while the army protects Ukraine on the front, civil society provides essential services on the home front. The collective action of all active citizens means every home is the center of power and resistance.
Panellists from the Open Government Partnership, European Partnership for Democracy, European Endowment for Democracy, Open Society Foundations and ECNL provided further context on how global trends affect civil society in the region and what role can international institutions play. Alexandra Kirby from the European Endowment for Democracy described how the endowment adjusted their programming when seeing accelerated democratic backsliding in Georgia. She noted that in such a context, donors need to listen carefully to the needs on the ground and expand the flexibility of their support.
Commenting on EU policy, Elene Panchulidze from the European Partnership for Democracy noted the need to invest in democratic openings. She emphasised that there is a lot Europe can learn from civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries. Organisations in these countries have been dealing with Europe's current challenges, like foreign interference, for years. Initiatives like the European Democracy Shield should learn from their experiences.
Throughout the rest of the CSO Meter Civil Society Days 2025, CSO Meter Hub experts engaged in various exchanges and shared solution seeking with international partners. From these discussions 3 key principles emerged that can guide future cooperation.
3 principles to guide effective investment in stability, security and democracy
- Regional collaboration drives impact. To build resilience in the face of growing pressure, civil society must be supported to collaborate regionally and be seen as part of a wider ecosystem. Regional cooperation like that fostered through the CSO Meter Hub enables organisations to share resources, knowledge, and advocacy strategies, creating a stronger, united front. In a region where civil society has faced sustained efforts to delegitimise and suppress its role, cross-border solidarity and coordinated action are essential. Funders and policymakers should expand and invest in existing frameworks that promote collaboration on shared challenges, such as access to funding, and operating in restrictive environments.
- Security means protecting spaces for civic action. Creating enabling environments and ensuring long-term investment in civil society are vital not just for democratic governance, but also for stability and recovery especially during times of crisis. In Ukraine, for example, civil society organisations successfully mobilised and demonstrated a unified stance in defending anti-corruption institutions in the country. Importantly, funders and institutions must recognise that impact may look different in restrictive environments often taking the form of less visible activism or rights advocacy embedded in broader social issues. Supporting these efforts requires trust, flexibility and sustained commitment.
- Civil society in the EaP region can be a strategic partner in EU expanded agenda on security. EaP civil society should be recognised not as passive recipients of EU support, but as strategic partners in shaping the Union’s broader democratic and geopolitical agenda. As the EU expands its influence in areas like security, trade, digital governance and climate, its decisions increasingly affect the civic space in neighbouring regions. Civil society actors in the EaP region bring critical insights, and local legitimacy that are essential for advancing democratic values under pressure. To safeguard civic space, the EU must invest in preventive and responsive models, supporting organisations that anticipate trends, challenge restrictive laws early, and drive progressive reforms in both restricted and semi-open environments. This includes supporting experimentation, innovation, and the use of best practices for early warning and rapid response.
What can you do next?
- Want to become part of the change? Join the CSO Meter Action Pooled Fund as a donor, capacity builder or collaborator.
- Eager to support civil society in the EaP region? See the recommendations to funders.
- Wondering what impact does your support have? Read the Stories of Change.