The resolution draws attention to the fact that human rights, the rule of law, and the functioning of civil society, which are fundamental principles of democracy, are under serious threat in many European countries:
“Eighty years after the end of World War II and thirty-five years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the rights-based order is being questioned, and only 20% of the world’s population lives in democracies. While most of these democracies are located in Europe, even established democracies are showing signs of decline. Many member states of the Council of Europe struggle to even qualify as ‘democratic.’”
Civil society treated as “enemies of the state”
The text also emphasized that democratic values are being eroded, freedoms of expression and association are being restricted, and women and vulnerable groups in particular are being targeted. It also pointed out that governments are increasingly defining civil society organizations as enemies and that regulations such as “foreign agent” laws are putting pressure on civil society.
“Governments' direct hostility toward civil society is increasing. In an increasing number of countries in Europe, a wide variety of civil society organizations are being labeled as enemies of the state. Even if they act in accordance with the values and standards of the Council and the European Union, more and more civil society actors are being branded as enemies of the state, traitors, or propagandists of ‘non-traditional’ values.”
Disinformation and populism weaken democratic order
The Recommendation Decision lists the misuse of social media platforms, disinformation campaigns, and the rise of populist rhetoric that weakens democratic values among the threats.
The text states that various social media platforms controlled by US and Chinese companies, as well as intense anti-democratic propaganda carried out by Russia, support misleading news and organized disinformation campaigns, making societies more vulnerable than ever to populist messages that support nationalist, anti-liberal, and anti-democratic rhetoric.
Support for the “New Democratic Agreement”
The text also refers to the “New Democratic Agreement” shared by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset in his 2025 Report. The resolution states, "We support the initiative to strengthen democratic governance through the Agreement and the plan to hold a new Summit of Heads of State and Government in 2027. We strongly believe that the Democratic Pact and the path to the summit must be based on public participation, especially for the most marginalized groups in democratic processes, such as young people, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty."
Strong call to the Council of Europe
Among the calls made to the Council of Europe in the Recommendation, the protection of the civil sphere was also included as a mainstream element in all Council processes.
The resolution emphasized the need to establish easily accessible mechanisms for civil society actors to file complaints and seek support, as well as to incorporate the issue of the civil sphere into the working methods of all monitoring mechanisms affiliated with the Council.
The call urged the Council to
- "Play a central role in protecting existing human rights standards and setting new standards in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate protection, the environment, and, most importantly, the protection of the civil sphere and democratic participation;
- Hold member states accountable for non-compliance with their human rights obligations by utilizing existing legal tools and mechanisms, and demonstrate political will to use these tools; particularly ensuring the full implementation of European Court of Human Rights rulings,
- We call on member states to respond decisively to violations of the civil sphere and to remind them of their rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly.
The original text can be accessed here.
What is the Conference of International NGOs (CINGO)?
The Conference of International Civil Society Organizations (USTÖ Conference) is the representative body of international civil society organizations with participatory status at the Council of Europe. This structure, which has a legal status that facilitates the participation of organized civil society in the work of the Council of Europe, also serves as the voice of civil society.
The Conference of International Non-Governmental Organizations, which has been active for nearly 50 years, provides a platform for civil society to interact with the Council of Europe and contribute to its objectives. With its structure that promotes participatory democracy, active citizenship, and freedom of association, it contributes to the strengthening of democratic values in Europe.