What do the recent presidential “elections” mean for Belarusian civil society?

Authoritarian regimes never have a positive attitude toward civil society, especially its institutionalised forms and civil society organisations. Nothing annoys autocrats more than independent self-organisation. In this regard, the Lukashenko regime is no exception. Between the last two formal presidential elections, Belarusian civil society not only faced hostility from the state but became the target of…

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Что означают новые президентские «выборы» для гражданского общества Беларуси

Отношение авторитарных режимов к гражданскому обществу, и тем более к его институционализированным формам, к организациям гражданского общества, никогда не бывает хорошим. Авторитарии не любят, когда кто-то самоорганизуется. В этом смысле режим Лукашенко не исключение. За годы между двумя последними формальными президентскими выборами гражданское общество Беларуси не просто столкнулось с плохим отношением со стороны государства — оно стало объектом войны на уничтожение. Начиная…

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Annual Conference in Berlin on “Democracies in Peril”

This year our Annual Conference focused on the theme “Democracies in peril? What civil society can do to turn the tide,” bringing together civil society activists, researchers and professionals from the EU and neighbouring countries. Our Annual Conference has a longstanding tradition within the Civil Society Forum, connecting civil society from various countries to foster…

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Welcome our new Executive Director, Nataliya Novakova

The Board of the Civil Society Forum (CSF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Nataliya Novakova as the Forum’s new Executive Director effective from September 1, 2024, following an extensive search and selection process. With over 15 years of experience in human rights and democracy initiatives across Wider Europe, Nataliya brings a wealth of…

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Europe Lab 2024 Explores “Changing Tides” in Jáchymov, Czechia

The historic town of Jáchymov, nestled in the Ore Mountains of Czechia, set the stage for Europe Lab 2024, an annual forum that unites young leaders and changemakers from across Europe. This year’s theme, Changing Tides, found a powerful resonance in the town’s layered history, which participants explored through visits to former mines and prison…

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