Freedom’s Unsung Heroes: Civil Society

By Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum

Liberals often take civil society for granted. This oversight makes liberalism vulnerable to authoritarianism. Protecting civil society is not merely a nicety; it is the bedrock of freedom of speech, organization, and debate. It fuels tolerance, strengthens democracy, and builds a better society. The anti-democratic forces in the US, China, Russia, and Iran understand this well, fearing civil society’s role in fighting injustice and holding power accountable. These groups act as vigilant watchdogs, preventing our governments and societies from sliding into inequality, isolation, and authoritarianism. Moreover, they are the wellspring of innovation and forward-thinking solutions. They are indispensable to the defense of the liberal order we cherish. 

Civil Society as Innovators: Beyond Advocacy 

Civil society is not just about protest; it’s about progress. Environmental NGOs are meticulously mapping out locations for wind turbines, minimizing impact on communities and ecosystems. Think tanks are actively shaping the future of the European Union, proposing tangible improvements to governance. Social NGOs are leveraging AI to provide personalized care for patients with high support needs, transforming healthcare delivery. Grassroots community organizations are creating vital social hubs in rural areas, combating loneliness and fostering connections. Large humanitarian organizations are delivering life-saving healthcare and food aid in the world’s most inaccessible regions. These are not abstract concepts; they are tangible contributions to the lives of millions. 

Photo: ELF at high-level dialogue with civil society and Renew Europe, hosted by MEPs Irene Joveva and Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle 

Listening to People: Shaping Better Policies 

The EU institutions, despite their best intentions, cannot fully grasp the lived experiences of every European citizen. Civil society acts as a crucial bridge, connecting policymakers to the realities on the ground. Their European networks help address the democratic deficit, ensuring that EU policies are not crafted in an ivory tower. Civil society’s diversity, representing minorities, philanthropic endeavours, political ideologies (like ELF), consumer interests, health professionals, animal rights, and technological advancements, is a strength, not a weakness. The notion that civil society is a monolithic left-wing entity is nonsense. The now infamous Project 2025 originated from a Republican civil society organization in the US. This plurality fosters balanced debate and ensures that all voices are heard. Transparency in funding and operations is important, and many civil society organizations are dedicated to this very principle. 

The Bulwark of Democracy: Central and Eastern Europe’s Example 

We cannot overlook the pivotal role civil society has played in Central and Eastern Europe. In nations like Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, they have been a bulwark against the rising tide of authoritarianism and far-right forces. Many liberal parties and movements have emerged from civil society initiatives, demonstrating their transformative power. 

The withdrawal of USAID presents a mortal threat to civil society globally. This retreat will lead to instability, democratic backsliding, and a decline in human development. Security and stability are not solely dependent on defense spending. The EU has an opportunity to fill this void, gaining global influence and soft power by supporting civil society networks. This approach is cost-effective and would leverage existing networks. Without EU support, civil society in partner countries will wither, leaving a vacuum for illiberal forces to fill. 

Silencing Civil Society: A Threat from Within 

The recent attempts to gag civil society within Europe should alarm liberals. NGOs receiving Commission grants have been instructed to refrain from “lobbying,” with signed contracts being renegotiated to remove any mention of advocacy. Reports allege that NGOs have been instructed to avoid meetings with Commission representatives and MEPs. This silencing will exacerbate the EU’s democratic deficit, echoing a disturbing trend of anonymizing officials. Civil society advocates for the people and sectors they represent, often with limited resources and dedicated staff. The repeated attempts by EPP MEPs to question the funding of NGOs they disagree with. Now, contracts of NGOs working on LGBTQ+, minority rights, and transparency are being requested, revealing a clear bias. ECR is now joining these calls. Yet, these same voices champion private sector lobbying and NGOs aligned with their values. 

Liberals: Defenders of Civic Space 

Liberals champion free markets and business, but we also champion democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We must advocate for both business and civil society, cutting the red tape that hinders their vital work. A false narrative, propagated by far right and anti-democratic forces, seeks to discredit civil society. They understand that silencing these organizations allows them to violate human rights, manipulate elections, and seize power. There are crucial reports coming to the European Parliament which will be voted in May, all of which include damaging NGO language, including the European Parliament budget discharge report, the report on protection of the EU’s financial interests and combating fraud, and a committee vote on European Commission discharge. There is also a Court of Auditors’ report on NGO transparency out this week, which will likely be used to cherry-pick findings and push the anti-NGO narrative. It will be important to underline that while there might be legitimate findings they would be applicable to all funding beneficiaries, not just NGOs. We cannot leave this to other political groups, and we must confront this disinformation head-on.