Civil Society

Articles about civil society

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“There will be a post-Milei Argentina – and the EU must be ready for it”

Interview
As Argentina teeters between economic upheaval and political realignment, President Javier Milei’s radical reforms are being put to the test. From dismantling anti-corruption institutions to surprising electoral wins in Buenos Aires, the stakes are rising fast — both at home and abroad. We speak with Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s Buenos Aires office, to unpack what Milei’s ultra-libertarian agenda means for Argentina’s future.
By Louise Mollenhauer and Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp
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Argentinian civil society visit to Brussels, 14-18 October 2024

Dossier
Since Javier Milei became President, Argentina's political landscape has experienced a profound shift. A self-proclaimed libertarian and populist, Milei has challenged traditional political norms, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights. His administration’s pivot away from international commitments, such as the 2030 Agenda, and its focus on deregulation and extractivist industries, have set Argentina on a new trajectory. With rising state control, restrictions on civil liberties, and increased mass surveillance, many are questioning the future of Argentina's democracy and its relationships with global partners. Three civil society representatives will visit Brussels on 14-18 October 2024, to present the impact of Milei's administration on democracy, human rights, digital rights, environmental protection and economic and social rights.
By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, Beatriz Busaniche, Cecilia Ales and Ariel Slipak
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3 Questions on the situation in Georgia to Sonja Schiffers

3 Questions
Just under six months ago, Georgia became a formal candidate for EU membership. The Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, adopted in mid-May 2024, however, hinders Georgian accession to the EU and has drawn massive protests by Georgian society. The bill, which has great similarities to a Russian law, requires non-governmental organisations and media outlets that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power.' In this context, Zora Siebert and Helena Borst asked three questions to Dr. Sonja Schiffers, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung South Caucasus office in Tbilisi, on how she views the latest developments.
By Zora Siebert , Helena Borst and Dr. Sonja Schiffers
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Trade unions, collective bargaining and the green transition in the next EU legislative period

Commentary
The climate emergency is the number one policy priority, requiring a fundamental overhaul of our economic system. During the Val Duchesse Social Partner meeting, the European Commission announced the creation of a Social Dialogue envoy. However, the roles of social dialogue and collective bargaining remain underappreciated, and the European Institutions need to focus on strengthening the role of trade unions in shaping the just transition throughout the next legislature.
By Béla Galgóczi
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Support for civil search and rescue activities

E-paper
Ten years after the 2013 Lampedusa shipwreck killed an estimated 360 migrants, state-led search and rescue operations are persistently absent in the Mediterranean — despite the continuously high number of distress cases of persons attempting to cross in unseaworthy boats. In response, over the past 10 years, various non-profit actors have set up civil search and rescue operations. However, their operability and effectiveness fluctuate to a considerable degree depending on state actions. This is because European governments have been restricting and hampering civil search and rescue activities in various ways over the past years. In light of this, the present study examines the options for the German government to support civil search and rescue operations at the national and European level.
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Towards a feminist strategy of care for Europe: survey for women in leadership

Survey
Through this survey, we are seeking to shine a light on what is happening for Women CSO leaders in Europe as working culture and systems are shifting in the wake of COVID; in light of multiple systemic crises as well as the impact of #MeToo, #BLM and climate movements. Four progressive European foundations join forces around this joint project: FEPS (Foundation for European Progressive Studies), FES (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung), GEF (Green European Foundation) and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union. The feminist leadership expert Joanna Maycock and systemic change specialist Céline Charveriat are working together to conduct the research. As a recognition of the time you contribute to completing this survey we are offering a free quickfire coaching session.

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