Victim Support Europe participated in the Council of Europe’s international conference on Shaping Democratic Renewal, held in Strasbourg. VSE was represented by Efthymios Antonopoulos, Policy, Advocacy and Strategic Planning Lead.
The conference examined the state of civic space in Europe and the role of civil society in responding to current democratic challenges. Discussions focused on whether existing frameworks and resources are sufficient to ensure that civil society organisations can operate effectively and contribute meaningfully to democratic processes.
Key issues raised during the conference included:
- Increasing pressure on civic space across Europe, including legal and administrative constraints on civil society organisations
- Ongoing gaps in sustainable funding and protection mechanisms for civil society
- The need to move beyond symbolic consultation towards meaningful participation in policymaking
- The importance of stronger coordination and cooperation between international organisations and civil society actors
- The growing influence of digital tools on civic engagement and cross-border participation
Participants highlighted that civil society organisations play a central role in democratic systems and must be supported accordingly. Measures discussed to strengthen civic space included safeguarding organisations from legal harassment and arbitrary restrictions, providing long-term and flexible funding, and ensuring structured engagement with civil society in policy development.
From VSE’s perspective, the discussions reinforced the importance of integrating victims’ voices into democratic processes. Ensuring that victims are heard and supported contributes to more inclusive policymaking and stronger, more resilient democratic societies.
Find out more about the conference on the Council of Europe website.
