The Civic Champions project seeks to strengthen democratic values and civic participation in Southern Europe by enhancing the capacity of civil society actors to become active agents in addressing and reversing the ‘shrinking civic space’ phenomenon. This initiative is carried out by a consortium of organizations from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus.

Civic Champions aims to empower CSOs and practitioners to identify, report, and address threats and violations while promoting positive narratives. Through a focus on capacity building, the establishment of early warning systems, and the implementation of evidence-based actions, the project strives to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure a vibrant civic environment.

During the project, the implementing partners will develop the following key outputs:

1. Reports on the State of Civil Society in Southern Europe: Comprehensive analyses of the current legal and political landscapes, documenting the main threats faced by CSOs in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus.
2. Early Warning Mechanism for Civic Space Threats: An online platform designed to identify and address challenges faced by CSOs, NGOs, and activists, helping to mitigate risks to civic space.
3. Capacity Building Programme for CSOs: A robust training initiative to empower civil society practitioners in policy advocacy, community engagement, and effective communication.
4. Documentary: A video production that explores and debunks myths and negative narratives surrounding CSOs, providing a compelling defense of civil society’s role.