On 2 October 2025, the Old Nicosia Town Hall became the stage for a timely discussion on the pressures faced by civil society organisations (CSOs) and their implications for democracy during the Cyprus Forum 2025. The event was organised under the EU-funded Civic Champions project, with CARDET as Knowledge Partner.
Entitled “The Shrinking Space for Civil Society: Challenges and Prospects”, the event addressed how policies, funding frameworks, and legislation, alongside digital and physical threats, are reshaping the operating environment of CSOs in Cyprus and across Southern Europe. Drawing on recent research, the dialogue highlighted key concerns such as restrictive regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, banking and funding barriers, online harassment, and a polarised public discourse — all of which risk weakening the role of CSOs in democratic life
The panel featured insightful contributions from:
- Konstantina Karacosta, Founder & Cost Consultant, K. KARAKOSTA Q.S. L.L.C; Vice President, Civil Society Advocates; and President, NGO “ένα εμείς”
- Dimitris Lambrianides, President of the Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation
- Andreas Kyprianides, Secretary General of the Cyprus Youth Council
The discussion was moderated by Foteini Sokratous, Project Manager and Researcher at CARDET.
Learn more about the Civic Champions Forum here!
Target Groups
Professionals, Policy makers, General public, CSO'sEducation Level
Professional education
