Strengthening Civic Space in Europe: Insights from Sofia (04-06 June 2025)
Against a backdrop of contracting civic space across Europe, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) convened experts, activists, and civil society leaders at our event “Narrative and Movement Building for Civic Space in Europe” in Sofia at the start of June. The three-day conference provided a structured platform for critical reflection on both challenges and opportunities for civic action in the region.
Key themes and strategic priorities
1. Hope-based communications and narrative framing
In response to rising authoritarianism and restrictive legislation—such as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), surveillance laws, and foreign agent designations—participants emphasized the power of strategic storytelling. As highlighted in sessions with communicators from Oxfam Novib from the Netherlands and the Institute 8th of March from Slovenia, narrative frameworks grounded in hope can more effectively mobilize public support than fear-based messaging alone.
2. Coalition-building across borders
Drawing from NHC’s longstanding work in institutional strengthening and support for civic actors, the conference underscored the need for structured coalitions. Engaging stakeholders from Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Armenia, and the Netherlands, the event facilitated exchange on joint advocacy strategies and aligned action plans.
3. Defending legal and civic space
Panels examined the rise of legal threats—such as SLAPP litigation and intrusive surveillance—and explored systemic responses, including legal defense networks and EU-level advocacy. This echoes broader policy concerns in Dutch foreign engagement, where short-term crisis responses must be complemented by coherent, long-term strategies.
The event also coincided with the release of the 2025 Civic Space Report by the European Civic Forum, which warned of “an increasingly hostile environment where civil society is silenced, surveilled, and delegitimized.” The report’s findings echoed many of the concerns raised in Sofia and reinforced the urgency of joint action.
Read the full report.
Concerted action: from symbolic gestures to strategic impact
Reflecting on past shortcomings in translating human rights rhetoric into results, conference speakers called for initiatives with measurable outcomes, actionable timelines, and embedded accountability mechanisms. Participants also emphasized the importance of dedicated funding and autonomy for civil society initiatives at a national and regional level.
Looking ahead: building on Sofia’s legacy
The final sessions, including a panel co-hosted by the America for Bulgaria Foundation and the Recharging Rights for Advocacy in Europe (RARE) programme, underlined the importance of cross-border collaboration and EU-level advocacy. From countering foreign agents laws to strengthening legal defense networks, civil society is innovating to survive—and thrive.
The event concluded with a call to transform Sofia’s energy into sustained momentum, with proposed next steps including the development of cross-border legal defense mechanisms, shared narrative toolkits, and ensure voices of civil society are heard during the invitation to consult on the EU’s civil society strategy. Find out more here.
