The Struggle of Civil Society Against Rising Far-Right Influence in Europe

In recent years, civil society organizations across Europe have faced increasing pressure from far-right political movements, particularly in countries like Germany, Hungary, and Italy. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany has intensified its scrutiny of left-leaning NGOs, filing 295 parliamentary queries in 2025, more than double the number from the previous year. Critics argue that these inquiries serve as a form of harassment aimed at undermining the political influence of civil society groups.

The Guardian

The rise of far-right parties has led to significant restrictions on civil liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has systematically dismantled judicial independence and targeted NGOs, creating what he terms an "illiberal democracy." Similar tactics are being observed in Germany, where the AfD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have initiated inquiries into the financing of NGOs like Greenpeace and Omas gegen Rechts (Grannies against the Right), which oppose their political agendas. These actions have raised concerns about a chilling effect on civil society, with fears that NGOs could lose their tax-exempt status if deemed too political.

The Guardian

The situation is not isolated to Germany. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni's government has enacted stringent security laws that criminalize various forms of protest, reflecting a broader trend towards illiberalism. These laws have been criticized by political figures such as Riccardo Magi of the Più Europa party, who warns of a significant violation of constitutional rights. In France, over 30 NGOs, including Greenpeace and Oxfam, have reported a worrying trend of intimidation and surveillance, with the government threatening administrative dissolutions of citizen movements.

The Guardian

Opposition voices highlight the dangers of these developments. Activists argue that the increasing repression of civil society undermines democratic values and the rule of law. Kerstin Neurohr from Omas gegen Rechts expressed her frustration, stating, "We were speechless and angry," emphasizing the necessity of their work in the face of growing political hostility. The Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) has also raised alarms about the erosion of checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.

The Guardian

• “Today, it acts as an extension of the state.” — Pauline Voss, Deputy Editor of Nius

The Guardian

• “And each of us realised: our work will remain necessary for the foreseeable future; somehow, things are just getting worse.” — Kerstin Neurohr, Omas gegen Rechts

The Guardian

• “the defence of human rights is increasingly equated to extremism” — Liberties

The Guardian

As Europe grapples with the rise of far-right ideologies, civil society organizations are mobilizing to resist these trends. They emphasize the importance of upholding democratic standards and protecting public interests. The upcoming elections in Hungary and ongoing protests in Germany and Italy will likely serve as critical battlegrounds for the future of civil liberties in Europe.

The Guardian