The Protecting At-Risk Activists from Threats and Attacks (PARATA) project aims to strengthen the resilience of CSOs and HRDs in Europe to threats, attacks, and other politically motivated attempts to curb the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. To achieve this goal, the project will unlock new opportunities for mutual learning between those working to protect the civic space, using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as an ethical compass.
PARATA will prioritise protest movements that have been disproportionately targeted by repressive tactics, such as climate activists, campaigners for migrants’ rights, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, the project will address the intersectional dimensions of the shrinking civic space by generating custom-made solutions to protect diverse groups.
The implementing consortium comprises eight partners who can leverage their national and regional networks to maximise the project’s reach and resonance. These include five CSOs from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, as well as two pan-European alliances, the European Civic Forum and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
These partners will utilise innovative monitoring mechanisms to identify examples of successful safeguarding measures. They will then collate and curate a pan-European database of protection resources tailored closely to beneficiary needs. This will be complemented by a training and networking programme that will help CSOs and HRDs to develop protection strategies and introduce a culture of care within their organisations.
PARATA is also committed to fostering an enabling environment that allows civil society actors to exercise the rights outlined in the EU Charter. It will, therefore, develop national advocacy strategies and engage with policymakers at both the national and EU levels. Finally, the project’s communication partner, MDI Global, will enhance the ability of CSOs and HRDs to use influential media platforms to promote their “victories” and win public support for their democratic mission.
Timeframe: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027
Region: Europe
Lead partner: ASSOCIACIO NOVACT (Spain)
Project partners:
FORUM CIVIQUE EUROPEEN (France)
ARCI APS (Italy)
MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE GLOBAL (Belgium)
Associação Academia Cidadã – AAC (Portugal)
Green Legal Impact Germany e.V. (Germany)
CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK EUROPE ASBL (Belgium)
SZUBJEKTIV ERTEKEK ALAPITVANY (Hungary)
Funding: Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)
