The year 2019 was one to remember. It was the year in which the issues Civitates works on were as relevant as ever, with democracy remaining at stake in Europe. It was also the year in which we saw an increasing number of initiatives defend democracy in Europe, both offline and online. Throughout the year, Civitates’ grantee partners drove campaigns, brought in new ideas and tools, networked and strategised together. As a result, we are seeing greater connections, common thinking, trust, and personal bonds among civil society groups across Europe.  

 In our 2019 annual report we reflect on Civitates’ journey throughout 2019: what we did, what we learned and what we perhaps could have done differently. You will read about how, within our line of work aimed at a strong and resilient civil society, our grantee partners have been consolidating the work of their cross-sectoral coalitions. You will also learn about the first cohort of grants within our line of work that pushes for a healthy digital public sphere. Moreover, it touches upon our new line of work, to support the field of independent public-interest journalism in Europe.