GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CONFERENCE OF INGOS OF THE CoE (COING)

 Civil Society at Risk, Regression of Democratic Living Conditions in Europe

The Spring Session of the General Assembly of the COING has been marked by concern due to the regression of democratic living conditions that is being experienced in all the countries that are part of the Council of Europe (46 countries + Russia expelled and Belarus never accepted).

The curtailments to the freedoms of expression and assembly take more or less subtle forms, more or less crude depending on the proximity or distance with respect to the influence of the Russian Federation in the former countries of the Soviet orbit especially.

In areas where liberal democracy has a longer tradition, disinformation through social networks, the tabloid press or the frontist messages of a large part of the political parties prevent the action of civil society from being heard and highlighting the damage to human rights that certain political decisions are causing to the population.

The lack of properly weighted political debates is contributing to the promotion of highly harmful laws, especially for those who are in a more vulnerable situation depending on the issue. This is the case of the housing and energy pricing laws for Spain; the problems that the privatization of medical services in France is unleashing; the consequences of all kinds that the expulsion of migrants in England or Italy is causing, etc.

In the countries under the orbit of the former Soviet Union, the deterioration has an even harsher aspect. On the one hand, the proliferation of laws against foreign funding of NGOs, Georgia, Macedonia etc. is turning out to be a mere ruse to outlaw all NGOs in favour of strengthening the union of these countries with Europe and the progress of their internal organisation in a democratic way. (see Macedonia trip report at: www.rm.coe.int/rapport-coing-visite-macedonie-du-nord-nov2024-final-version-fr/1680b4e0a4),

Interestingly, Russia says it has waged a campaign for regeneration from the decline of European democratic systems. This was explained directly to us by Maksym BUTKEVYCH during his online participation in the Assembly. He is a Ukrainian journalist, human rights defender and co-founder of an NGO for the defense of democracy. He was imprisoned at the front and in the course of the torture to which he was subjected, the Russians who were the protagonists of the invasion of Ukraine, tried to convince him of the benefits of joining them in order to contribute to regenerating the decadent democratic system of the West.

It is possible that many of us agree with this perception that our democracies are not being effective enough to solve the difficulties we are facing in this first quarter of the twenty-first century. However, it is clear that the alternative lies neither in the Russian totalitarian model nor in the “millionocracy” into which the current regime of the US has degenerated.

By the way, we should not forget that these new plutocrats have already begun to interfere in European election campaigns by trying to favour access to government, precisely, for those parties that propose dictatorial solutions and measures that drown out the voices of diversity and the need for agreements between different parties. This time, we Europeans are caught between two fires.

It is time to show if we believe in ourselves, in our history, and in the more positive values that have sustained part of this same history.  Beyond our certain tendency to hypocrisy and double standards, are we willing to defend our own model: dialogue, discuss with respect, try to understand and incorporate the arguments of the other, give the best of ourselves and move forward with the contribution of all so that no one falls by the wayside?

The Council of Europe is taking steps to strengthen the conditions conducive to civil society action.  At the same time, the Conference of INGOs in this same assembly has approved a Recommendation for the Council of Ministers, with an emphasis in the same sense (see text in: www.paxromanaeuskadi.com  <documents of interest>, for spanish lenguage and in, www.rm.coe.int/recomendation-civic-space-draft-eng-fr/1680b52646), french and english.  This Recommendation can be disseminated and contributed to making it known.

In addition, Waltrand HELLER, member of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) and Christian MOOS, representative of Civil Society Organisations (OSC) on the Committee on Budgets, took part in the same assembly. In the presentation of their respective work in the EU, they placed special emphasis on the desirability of promoting relations and collaborating more and more closely between the INGOs of the Conference and their own bodies, since we are all equally interested in promoting greater participation of the Civil Society. in public affairs. (see: www.coe.int/fr/web/ingo/sessions  <Liste of decissions> #8,9,10, Tuesday, 8 April )

Freedom of expression and the protection of journalists

In turn, the President of the Conference, Gérard ERMISCHER, in collaboration with different INGOs specialized in the defense of democratic freedoms, are launching a platform, “taskforce” that aims to monitor how the measures that the CoE and the EU are studying to strengthen civic space will be implemented. At the next General Assembly in October they will present a first report (see: https://www.coe.int/fr/web/ingo/sessions  <list of décissions> #23 , Wednesday, April 9)

The President and the members of the Standing Committee of the conference insisted on the convenience of expanding the group of INGOs that can collaborate with this platform. I am therefore happy to convey this invitation to you. To all of you who can take a little time to support this initiative. I encourage you to contact us directly. I think it would be interesting to have a Pax Romana group in this tractor team.

In this context of worry and concern, the other major Recommendation that was approved was that of support for a just and lasting peace process for Ukraine. The text hardly had any reason for discussion and you can consult it at:  www.paxromanaeuskadi.com  <documents of interest> for spanish lenguage and at https://www.rm.coe.int/recommendation-russias-war-of-agression-final-draft-bil-eng-fr/1680b523fb  It would be advisable for the texts of the recommendations to be disseminated on your local networks.

Map of countries belonging to the Council of Europe

Thank you very much for your attention and collaboration.

Begoña OCIO – Permanent Delegate of Pax Romana at the COING of the CoE bego.ocio@gmail.com