Updates

The parliament has backed the most far-reaching reform of the Ombudsman in nearly thirty years, a step that could give civil society a stronger ally even as rights groups warn that key gaps must be addressed before it becomes law.

The first dedicated programme creates a formalised channel of state support for volunteering, one of the most trusted pillars of civic life and wartime resilience.

The single national programme and its public, digital monitoring is a transparency gain civil society can use for watchdog work, provided that the new system measures the quality of reforms and not just their quantity.

A fast-tracked rewrite of Ukraine's Civil Code has cleared its first reading and several of its provisions could expose civil society organisations and journalists to new legal pressure, clashing with the country's EU accession commitments.

The proposed criminal law amendments risk limiting public debate and creating a chilling effect on free expression.

The proposed National Council for Veteran Entrepreneurship could strengthen representation but raises concerns about mandatory membership and freedom of association.

New simplified rules for leasing public property could strengthen youth initiatives and support accommodation for internally displaced persons.

In times of change and pressure, monitoring is essential to safeguard democratic values and turn insights into action.

Registering CSOs online via the Diia portal significantly reduces administrative barriers and saves time for organisations.

Discover how targeted grants help civil society turn advocacy into real change on the ground.

This overview highlights the trends, immediate concerns and promising developments shaping the space for civic action since early 2025, pointing to where further investment can amplify impact in the region.

The new law and verification system promises faster and safer aid delivery, yet it also raises new compliance hurdles.