RNW Media Joins Call for Stronger EU Action on Democracy and Civic Space 

STATEMENT

RNW Media has joined 30+ civil society and media organisations in calling on the European Commission to strengthen its efforts to protect democracy, freedom of expression, and the civic space across the EU. 

The joint statement titled ‘The Next Rule of Law Report: More Action, Less Reaction’, led by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), urges the Commission to make its Rule of Law Report more than a yearly check-in. It needs to lead to real consequences when rights are violated. 

Why this matters 

Civil society organisations (CSOs), journalists, and activists across Europe are facing growing pressure including restrictive laws, political upheaval, surveillance, online attacks, and shrinking funding. Yet, they are already playing an active role in tracking and defending the rule of law. 

From supporting independent media to engaging with EU institutions, CSOs are already working hard to safeguard democratic values. This joint statement builds on that momentum, pushing for a Role of Law Report that supports a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable civic space across the EU.  

“The profound political shifts witnessed in 2024, a year marked by electoral upheavals and changing political landscapes across Europe and the world, are testing the resilience of democratic institutions, highlighting the need for continued and coordinated action in protecting the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights in the EU.” 

What RNW Media stands for 

At RNW Media, we advocate for open digital societies where people can access information, express themselves freely, and participate in public life. 

We advocate for: 

• Direct, reliable, flexible, and long-term funding for independent media, 
• Reducing the gap between EU policy frameworks and global challenges linked to digital media ecosystems,
• And transparency and accountability in defense of information integrity. 

We build partnerships, co-create research, and take part in advocacy efforts that keep civic space open and digital media plural. 

As co-signatories of the joint statement, we believe democracy requires concerted efforts: reports must lead to action, civic actors must be protected, and democratic processes must be enabled.

For more information and to explore the checklist for an effective report, ️head to the European Partnership for Democracy’s statement.