As every year the International Day of Democracy (an initiative created by the UN as part of their efforts to build democracy) reminds us that democratic principles and values such as respect to human rights, freedom of association, participation, and access to information can’t be taken for granted. In the last years, we have been witnessing the closing of democratic spaces, a rise in disinformation, and an increase in political polarisation.

In many countries across Europe, restrictive laws had already narrowed the space for civil society before the pandemic hit. Civil society groups are worried that governments could use the current crisis to (further) threaten the rule of law and democracy.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the importance of solidarity, resilience and community dialogue to overcome major crises. Governments’ reactions to the pandemic have accelerated all sorts of major economic, political, and social problems.