This HHC study examines how civil society organisations (CSOs) across EU Member States are engaging with the EU’s rule of law toolbox and developing new strategies to cultivate a broader culture of rule of law protection. It seeks to understand: what opportunities and barriers do CSOs face when interacting with EU-level instruments?; which innovative practices have emerged to respond to shrinking civic space and democratic backsliding?; and how can these practices be shared and adapted across borders? The findings show that while CSOs play an essential role in documenting rights violations, shaping public discourse and contributing expertise to EU monitoring processes, they operate under increasing pressure. Financial insecurity, smear campaigns, legal uncertainty and constrained access to policymaking were identified as the most widespread challenges. In response, CSOs are developing creative approaches, including early-warning and coordinated alert systems, joint advocacy and reporting on the EU Rule of Law Report, strategic litigation using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, digital security professionalisation and social media storytelling that makes rule of law issues relatable to the public. These practices demonstrate resilience and innovation, but also underline a need for stronger, sustained collaboration, more predictable funding and clearer avenues for meaningful engagement with EU institutions.

The study methodology combined a cross-European survey and semi-structured interviews with CSOs from 18 Member States, supplemented by desk research and long-term experience in the field. While the sample is not statistically representative, its analysis offers valuable insights into current trends and highlights transferable practices that can help strengthen civil society’s role in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law across Europe.