Protecting civil society and civic spaces in Georgia
In March 2023, the Government of Georgia initiated work on a legislative proposal on “foreign agents” that would have forced civil society organisations (CSOs) to be registered as being under foreign influence should they be receiving funding from sources outside of the country. The legislation, which was clearly aimed at restricting the work of these organisations, led to massive protests that forced the government to withdraw the bill from consideration. Over the past few weeks, the situation has worsened due to the country’s government’s decision to push forward the legislative proposal again. The fact that a government is acting this way in a country that initiated negotiations for EU membership merely 6 months ago does nothing but underscore how fragile Democracy and the Rule of Law are in our societies and how civic spaces must be protected tirelessly every day, everywhere.
Read the motion to find out the European Youth Forum's position.
Related publications
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The situation of youth organisations across Europe
Youth Organisations across Europe are facing an increasingly challenging situation. Political and economic circumstances are leading to shrinking civic spaces and therefore a shrinking chance of youth organisations to fulfil their purpose and represent the voice of young people. Read the motion to find out which of the European Youth Forum's members have been impacted and how, as well as what we commit to internally as part of our Strategic Plan and what we call for externally.
![](https://www.youthforum.org/files/_660x371_crop_center-center_82_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 660w, https://www.youthforum.org/files/_1320x742_crop_center-center_61_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 1320w, https://www.youthforum.org/files/_440x247_crop_center-center_82_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 440w, https://www.youthforum.org/files/_880x495_crop_center-center_61_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 880w, https://www.youthforum.org/files/_375x210_crop_center-center_60_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 375w, https://www.youthforum.org/files/_750x421_crop_center-center_45_line/Defending-Democracy-and-European-Values_overview.png 750w)
Empowering Youth Voices: Defending Democracy and European Values
We cannot deny the European Union and its values are facing threats from both inside and outside. The European Youth Forum is committed to actively speaking out against these threats and protecting the values of intercultural understanding, democracy, respect, diversity, human rights, active citizenship, and solidarity.
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Always on standby: How precarious work impacts young people’s mental health
Precarious work is not inevitable; rather, it is a result of political decisions and can therefore be mitigated and ultimately eliminated. This paper outlines actionable steps at both the national and EU level to address the issue, paving the way for a better relationship between mental health and the world of work for young people.