Updates

From EU accession, through conflict and elections – what trends are affecting civic space in the region?

CSOs criticise the law on the “Protection of Family Values and Minors” for restricting freedom of assembly and being used to divert public attention from urgent issues like poverty and inflation.

Proposed amendments to the Criminal Code would criminalise almost any possible violations in the field of foreign aid, including in the early stage of receiving aid (even if the aid is used for permitted purposes and not prohibited ones).

The criminal conviction against Hrodna Children's Hospice director in absentia becomes the first recorded verdict under article 193(1) of the criminal Code since its re-introduction in early 2022.

In July 2024, several changes were made to the process of reporting and approval of grant contracts, as well as financial reporting.

Following the adoption of the ‘Mobilisation Law’, the new Order No. 160 allows CSOs funded by international donors to continue their critical humanitarian projects.

The law, which transposes GDPR into Moldovan legislation, was adopted in the second reading of the Parliament.

Increasingly, new mechanisms of direct or indirect licensing are introduced in Belarus, limiting the opportunities for CSOs to carry out social services, sports and other types of activities.

CSOs welcome the draft, which aims to set up a new anti-discrimination body, but they highlight legislative gaps, including the need for improved legal protection of LGBTQIA+ persons.

121 civil society and media organisations challenge the so-called "Russian law”. CSOs aim to repeal the law and temporarily suspend its unconstitutional clauses, emphasising the law's threat to EU and NATO integration and fundamental freedoms.

The Draft Law creates conditions for active public participation and ensures their interests are considered during the decision-making process.

The forced liquidation of CSOs that began in 2021 has received a new impetus since April 2024. Authorities have been liquidating public associations that have not introduced amendments to their charters, relating to the updated version of the Law.