Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations

European political parties and European political foundations are currently regulated by a 2014 EU regulation, which establishes European political parties as legal entities, allowing them access to funding from the EU budget. In September 2017, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend the existing regulation and address certain shortcomings ahead of the 2019 European elections. The European Parliament is due to vote on the proposal during its April plenary session.

European political parties and European political foundations are currently regulated by a 2014 EU regulation, which establishes European political parties as legal entities, allowing them access to funding from the EU budget. In September 2017, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend the existing regulation and address certain shortcomings ahead of the 2019 European elections. The European Parliament is due to vote on the proposal during its April plenary session.

Tunisia: Progress achieved and prospects for the social dimension

In 2011, following the outbreak of protests – known as the Jasmine Revolution – which toppled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime, Tunisia embarked on a path to democratic transition and socio-economic transformation, emulating the reforms and governance practices of established liberal democracies. Nearly eight years on, the country has made significant progress, including in the social sphere, and has emerged as a regional leader in institutional reform. However, to avoid jeopardising the ...

In 2011, following the outbreak of protests – known as the Jasmine Revolution – which toppled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime, Tunisia embarked on a path to democratic transition and socio-economic transformation, emulating the reforms and governance practices of established liberal democracies. Nearly eight years on, the country has made significant progress, including in the social sphere, and has emerged as a regional leader in institutional reform. However, to avoid jeopardising the stability and progress achieved, further reforms are needed.

Peru: Human rights situation

Although Peru has ratified most international human rights instruments, there remain some serious problems, such as violent repression of civil demonstrations, attacks on journalists, corruption and impunity, and even torture. However, significant measures have been taken to tackle violence against women and sexual minorities.

Although Peru has ratified most international human rights instruments, there remain some serious problems, such as violent repression of civil demonstrations, attacks on journalists, corruption and impunity, and even torture. However, significant measures have been taken to tackle violence against women and sexual minorities.

Organised civil society in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described civil society organisations as 'indispensable partners of the state' in providing social services and building a modern economy. However, Russian NGOs lack public support; in addition, their independence is being steadily undermined by repressive new laws and growing state control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described civil society organisations as 'indispensable partners of the state' in providing social services and building a modern economy. However, Russian NGOs lack public support; in addition, their independence is being steadily undermined by repressive new laws and growing state control.

Shrinking legal space for civil society in Russia

Since Vladimir Putin's return to the presidency in May 2012, several federal laws have been amended, restricting core fundamental rights in Russia. These changes have been widely criticised as an unprecedented crackdown on civil society and an attempt to create a general climate of intimidation and censorship mainly based on the protection of 'traditional values'.

Since Vladimir Putin's return to the presidency in May 2012, several federal laws have been amended, restricting core fundamental rights in Russia. These changes have been widely criticised as an unprecedented crackdown on civil society and an attempt to create a general climate of intimidation and censorship mainly based on the protection of 'traditional values'.

Egypt - A Strategic Partner for the EU

In the most populous Arab nation, Egypt's newly elected officials are working to recapture their country's old role of regional leader, tarnished under the previous regime. The country's political and economic potential is still constrained by the complexity of its transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. After decades of government largely influenced by the military, a new era of political leaders are seeking their political direction. These politicians— for the most part Islamists — enjoy ...

In the most populous Arab nation, Egypt's newly elected officials are working to recapture their country's old role of regional leader, tarnished under the previous regime. The country's political and economic potential is still constrained by the complexity of its transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. After decades of government largely influenced by the military, a new era of political leaders are seeking their political direction. These politicians— for the most part Islamists — enjoy a clear mandate, garnered in a series of free and fair elections. It is essential that the political transition process continue, and that new democratic institutions be established. Egypt's fledgling democracy must be consolidated in a new constitution, also approved by the Egyptian people. Fundamental human rights and the equality of all citizens must be guaranteed, and economic growth jump-started. The EU is Egypt's first trading partner, and the EU would benefit from a greater political alliance with Egypt. Egypt's success in mediating a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel has underscored its role as a principal power in a region profoundly altered by the Arab Awakening. Egypt is a strategic partner for the European Union, and the Union should assume a more palpable presence in the country, deepen its political dialogue and support Egypt's democratic transition and socio-economic development.

Social Dialogue and its Contribution to Social Cohesion in Turkey

Trends in the eu-27 Regarding Participation of Third-Country Nationals in the Host Country’s Political Life

Participation of third country nationals in the host country’s political life has been a core issue for international organisations at European level. The Council of Europe as well as EU institutions, notably the European Parliament and the Commission, have constantly and for quite some time supported the idea of opening up “civic participation” to nonnationals. The ultimate decision in this matter, however, lies in the hands of member states. This Briefing Paper looks at recent developments on this ...

Participation of third country nationals in the host country’s political life has been a core issue for international organisations at European level. The Council of Europe as well as EU institutions, notably the European Parliament and the Commission, have constantly and for quite some time supported the idea of opening up “civic participation” to nonnationals. The ultimate decision in this matter, however, lies in the hands of member states. This Briefing Paper looks at recent developments on this issue at member state level and seeks to identify trends in the EU-27. It casts a closer look at voting rights, access to citizenship, advisory councils and arenas of dialogue as well as the extent to which freedom of association is granted. The author is able to observe that while progress towards more participation is made, this progress is not only slow, but often does not meet the previous standards established by pioneer northern member states and the Council of Europe. With regard to access to citizenship there are signs that European member states are on the verge of imposing more restrictive criteria. Concerning the other assessed elements, trends are more difficult to identify, however, it seems as though there is still more than enough room for further development.

Civil Society under threat: comon legal bariers and potential responses