The groups in various EU countries say this is partly due to “insufficient meaningful participation” of civil society in the decision-making process.

It is also claimed that national authorities do not “prioritise sufficiently” the funding of “vital” civil society tasks, such as monitoring and watchdog activities.

These are among the key findings of a delegation the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) sent to probe civil society rights in five countries: Poland, Hungary, Romania, Austria and France...

Commenting on the findings, EESC president Luca Jahier said, "What we need is an ambitious and comprehensive response to challenges to fundamental rights and the rule of law. This should concern every Member State, all EU institutions and civil society.” ...

Jacek Krawczyk, who heads the EESC employers' group, said, “The rule of law was important for the economy as a whole, and a precondition for the mutual trust on which the internal market relies.” 

Oliver Ropke, who leads the institution’s workers' group, said, “Civil and political rights cannot be separated from social and labour rights, such as the right to strike and freedom of expression, which are necessary to fight for better working and living conditions.”