ECNL
@ecnl.bsky.social
We are the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, working to empower civil society through legal and policy frameworks that protect civic freedoms.
www.ecnl.org
www.ecnl.org
💫 Look back at 2025 w/ our newsletter, bringing you:
🟢practical resources and tools you can put into practice, like the new guide on how to do innovation right with #FRIAs;
🔵 research to inform your work on #democracy, #AI, #foresight ... & much more.
Sign up for 2026: mailchi.mp/ecnl/2025-in...
🟢practical resources and tools you can put into practice, like the new guide on how to do innovation right with #FRIAs;
🔵 research to inform your work on #democracy, #AI, #foresight ... & much more.
Sign up for 2026: mailchi.mp/ecnl/2025-in...
December 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
💫 Look back at 2025 w/ our newsletter, bringing you:
🟢practical resources and tools you can put into practice, like the new guide on how to do innovation right with #FRIAs;
🔵 research to inform your work on #democracy, #AI, #foresight ... & much more.
Sign up for 2026: mailchi.mp/ecnl/2025-in...
🟢practical resources and tools you can put into practice, like the new guide on how to do innovation right with #FRIAs;
🔵 research to inform your work on #democracy, #AI, #foresight ... & much more.
Sign up for 2026: mailchi.mp/ecnl/2025-in...
Reposted by ECNL
Ireland has one of the world's highest concentrations of data centers. The expansion has reshaped the grid & deepened fossil fuel use. As the EU pushes to triple data center capacity, Ireland offers a warning. Read our investigation with AlgorithmWatch.
What Ireland’s Data Center Crisis Means for the EU’s AI Sovereignty Plans | TechPolicy.Press
Louis Boyd-Madsen traces how a model of unregulated digital growth has outpaced energy planning in Ireland, and why it matters for the EU’s AI ambitions.
buff.ly
December 19, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Ireland has one of the world's highest concentrations of data centers. The expansion has reshaped the grid & deepened fossil fuel use. As the EU pushes to triple data center capacity, Ireland offers a warning. Read our investigation with AlgorithmWatch.
Reposted by ECNL
Great exchange with @ecnl.bsky.social colleagues on how civil society can hold international organisations accountable and advance human rights.
Belarus reminds us that this is a long haul (I remember the Jan 2011 civil society meeting well) 🤍❤️🤍
Belarus reminds us that this is a long haul (I remember the Jan 2011 civil society meeting well) 🤍❤️🤍
December 17, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Great exchange with @ecnl.bsky.social colleagues on how civil society can hold international organisations accountable and advance human rights.
Belarus reminds us that this is a long haul (I remember the Jan 2011 civil society meeting well) 🤍❤️🤍
Belarus reminds us that this is a long haul (I remember the Jan 2011 civil society meeting well) 🤍❤️🤍
🚀 New: Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments 🚀
How can #FRIAs be conducted meaningfully & in line with the #AIAct?
👉 Here's a clear roadmap from ECNL & DIHR for deployers of high-risk AI systems - and anyone seeking to deploy AI responsibly - to do so.
🔗 ecnl.org/publications...
How can #FRIAs be conducted meaningfully & in line with the #AIAct?
👉 Here's a clear roadmap from ECNL & DIHR for deployers of high-risk AI systems - and anyone seeking to deploy AI responsibly - to do so.
🔗 ecnl.org/publications...
December 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
🚀 New: Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments 🚀
How can #FRIAs be conducted meaningfully & in line with the #AIAct?
👉 Here's a clear roadmap from ECNL & DIHR for deployers of high-risk AI systems - and anyone seeking to deploy AI responsibly - to do so.
🔗 ecnl.org/publications...
How can #FRIAs be conducted meaningfully & in line with the #AIAct?
👉 Here's a clear roadmap from ECNL & DIHR for deployers of high-risk AI systems - and anyone seeking to deploy AI responsibly - to do so.
🔗 ecnl.org/publications...
📢 How can journalists and civil society work together? What are the best practices for effective collaboration?
🔵 Join this Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar TODAY with ECNL, @disclose.ngo, @lighthousereports.com and EDRI:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🔵 Join this Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar TODAY with ECNL, @disclose.ngo, @lighthousereports.com and EDRI:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 15, 2025 at 8:59 AM
📢 How can journalists and civil society work together? What are the best practices for effective collaboration?
🔵 Join this Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar TODAY with ECNL, @disclose.ngo, @lighthousereports.com and EDRI:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🔵 Join this Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar TODAY with ECNL, @disclose.ngo, @lighthousereports.com and EDRI:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🫶 Responsible #AI works best when people collaborate.
In #Amsterdam, the municipality, technical team and citizens co-created an AI system using ECNL’s Framework for Meaningful Engagement: putting public interest and trust at the centre.
Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/amsterd...
In #Amsterdam, the municipality, technical team and citizens co-created an AI system using ECNL’s Framework for Meaningful Engagement: putting public interest and trust at the centre.
Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/amsterd...
December 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
🫶 Responsible #AI works best when people collaborate.
In #Amsterdam, the municipality, technical team and citizens co-created an AI system using ECNL’s Framework for Meaningful Engagement: putting public interest and trust at the centre.
Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/amsterd...
In #Amsterdam, the municipality, technical team and citizens co-created an AI system using ECNL’s Framework for Meaningful Engagement: putting public interest and trust at the centre.
Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/amsterd...
❗ Experienced editor/proofreader (5+ yrs reviewing analytical reports, civic freedoms terminology) wanted for the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (#MACS) project.
📖 You will review 7 country reports to ensure clarity, consistency & accuracy.
Apply by 8 December: ecnl.org/job-openings
#Hiring
📖 You will review 7 country reports to ensure clarity, consistency & accuracy.
Apply by 8 December: ecnl.org/job-openings
#Hiring
December 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM
❗ Experienced editor/proofreader (5+ yrs reviewing analytical reports, civic freedoms terminology) wanted for the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (#MACS) project.
📖 You will review 7 country reports to ensure clarity, consistency & accuracy.
Apply by 8 December: ecnl.org/job-openings
#Hiring
📖 You will review 7 country reports to ensure clarity, consistency & accuracy.
Apply by 8 December: ecnl.org/job-openings
#Hiring
🌍🇳🇱 How can people in the Netherlands eat, consume goods, and travel more sustainably? Today, the Dutch National #CitizensAssembly on #Climate presents its answers to this question.
💡 Read more on the power of involving people in the decisions that shape their lives: ecnl.org/news/citizen...
💡 Read more on the power of involving people in the decisions that shape their lives: ecnl.org/news/citizen...
December 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🌍🇳🇱 How can people in the Netherlands eat, consume goods, and travel more sustainably? Today, the Dutch National #CitizensAssembly on #Climate presents its answers to this question.
💡 Read more on the power of involving people in the decisions that shape their lives: ecnl.org/news/citizen...
💡 Read more on the power of involving people in the decisions that shape their lives: ecnl.org/news/citizen...
💡NEW blog: How do we move the commitments of the #EUCivilSocietyStrategy from paper to real action?
👉 Read our reflections:
ecnl.org/news/promise...
#EUCivicSpace #Democracy #Participation
👉 Read our reflections:
ecnl.org/news/promise...
#EUCivicSpace #Democracy #Participation
November 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
💡NEW blog: How do we move the commitments of the #EUCivilSocietyStrategy from paper to real action?
👉 Read our reflections:
ecnl.org/news/promise...
#EUCivicSpace #Democracy #Participation
👉 Read our reflections:
ecnl.org/news/promise...
#EUCivicSpace #Democracy #Participation
Reposted by ECNL
🚨 ALERT: Tech is a DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD for Civil Society.
Read my new article on the role of tech in the decline of civic freedoms via @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/civil-societ...
Read my new article on the role of tech in the decline of civic freedoms via @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/civil-societ...
Civil Society Is At Risk—and Tech Is Part Of The Problem | TechPolicy.Press
The time for urgent, rights-based innovation in the aid and tech ecosystems is now, writes Gina Romero.
www.techpolicy.press
November 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
🚨 ALERT: Tech is a DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD for Civil Society.
Read my new article on the role of tech in the decline of civic freedoms via @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/civil-societ...
Read my new article on the role of tech in the decline of civic freedoms via @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/civil-societ...
Reposted by ECNL
⏰New GDRC–WSIS statement on the WSIS+20 Outcome Document.
👉 Key asks:
• Safeguards against intrusive, rights-violating technologies
• Protection of encryption, anonymity tools, and free expression
• Attention to AI’s environmental and human rights impacts
www.gp-digital.org/news/gdrc-ws...
👉 Key asks:
• Safeguards against intrusive, rights-violating technologies
• Protection of encryption, anonymity tools, and free expression
• Attention to AI’s environmental and human rights impacts
www.gp-digital.org/news/gdrc-ws...
GDRC-WSIS Statement on Revision 1 WSIS+20 Outcome Document – Global Partners Digital
www.gp-digital.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:12 PM
⏰New GDRC–WSIS statement on the WSIS+20 Outcome Document.
👉 Key asks:
• Safeguards against intrusive, rights-violating technologies
• Protection of encryption, anonymity tools, and free expression
• Attention to AI’s environmental and human rights impacts
www.gp-digital.org/news/gdrc-ws...
👉 Key asks:
• Safeguards against intrusive, rights-violating technologies
• Protection of encryption, anonymity tools, and free expression
• Attention to AI’s environmental and human rights impacts
www.gp-digital.org/news/gdrc-ws...
Interesting new study on the CoE Framework Convention on #AI 👇
🚨 New Research on the world’s first legally binding treaty on AI:
Wade Hoxtell (@gppi.bsky.social) explores the negotiation process behind the Council of Europe’s new “Framework Convention.” How robust, effective, & democratic will this treaty prove to be?👇 www.ensuredeurope.eu/publications...
Wade Hoxtell (@gppi.bsky.social) explores the negotiation process behind the Council of Europe’s new “Framework Convention.” How robust, effective, & democratic will this treaty prove to be?👇 www.ensuredeurope.eu/publications...
Global AI Regulation at a Time of Transformation: The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence - Research Report | ENSURED
The Framework Convention on AI is the first binding international AI treaty. What do the negotiations and early design of the convention tell us about its likely trajectory, strengths, and weaknesses ...
www.ensuredeurope.eu
November 21, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Interesting new study on the CoE Framework Convention on #AI 👇
📢 See you in court? Join us for a new Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar on 27 Nov. 📢
🤔 Are you a journalist or work for a civil society org? Are you interested in how to use journalistic evidence in litigation? And how to defend yourself against #SLAPPs?
➡️ us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🤔 Are you a journalist or work for a civil society org? Are you interested in how to use journalistic evidence in litigation? And how to defend yourself against #SLAPPs?
➡️ us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
📢 See you in court? Join us for a new Civic Journalism Coalition Webinar on 27 Nov. 📢
🤔 Are you a journalist or work for a civil society org? Are you interested in how to use journalistic evidence in litigation? And how to defend yourself against #SLAPPs?
➡️ us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🤔 Are you a journalist or work for a civil society org? Are you interested in how to use journalistic evidence in litigation? And how to defend yourself against #SLAPPs?
➡️ us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Our new step-by-step guide walks you through concrete process recommendations for public institutions and private providers designing or using AI tools for public participation.
⏩ Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/bluepri...
Interested in piloting this tool? Get in touch: [email protected].
⏩ Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/bluepri...
Interested in piloting this tool? Get in touch: [email protected].
November 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Our new step-by-step guide walks you through concrete process recommendations for public institutions and private providers designing or using AI tools for public participation.
⏩ Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/bluepri...
Interested in piloting this tool? Get in touch: [email protected].
⏩ Find out more here: ecnl.org/news/bluepri...
Interested in piloting this tool? Get in touch: [email protected].
🚀 Out now: Framework for Meaningful Engagement 2.0
Civil society & affected communities must be part of #AI development to ensure that platforms & developers create rights-based products.
The #FME 2.0 provides practical suggestions on how to do this: ecnl.org/publications...
#ResponsibleAI
Civil society & affected communities must be part of #AI development to ensure that platforms & developers create rights-based products.
The #FME 2.0 provides practical suggestions on how to do this: ecnl.org/publications...
#ResponsibleAI
November 19, 2025 at 9:50 AM
🚀 Out now: Framework for Meaningful Engagement 2.0
Civil society & affected communities must be part of #AI development to ensure that platforms & developers create rights-based products.
The #FME 2.0 provides practical suggestions on how to do this: ecnl.org/publications...
#ResponsibleAI
Civil society & affected communities must be part of #AI development to ensure that platforms & developers create rights-based products.
The #FME 2.0 provides practical suggestions on how to do this: ecnl.org/publications...
#ResponsibleAI
✨ Make your voice stronger in shaping #DigitalPolicy!
✍ Apply to a new #CADE training to help you build policy expertise and diplomatic skills!
📅 Ddl: 30 Nov 2025
➡️ Apply now: cadeproject.org/in-focus/cap...
✍ Apply to a new #CADE training to help you build policy expertise and diplomatic skills!
📅 Ddl: 30 Nov 2025
➡️ Apply now: cadeproject.org/in-focus/cap...
Capacity Development Programme for CSOs 2025–2026 - CADE – Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment
Empowering civil society to shape digital policy The Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is strengthening the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) – especially those from t...
cadeproject.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:52 AM
✨ Make your voice stronger in shaping #DigitalPolicy!
✍ Apply to a new #CADE training to help you build policy expertise and diplomatic skills!
📅 Ddl: 30 Nov 2025
➡️ Apply now: cadeproject.org/in-focus/cap...
✍ Apply to a new #CADE training to help you build policy expertise and diplomatic skills!
📅 Ddl: 30 Nov 2025
➡️ Apply now: cadeproject.org/in-focus/cap...
👋 Are you btw 13 and 17? Do you consider yourself an activist? @amnesty.org wants to hear from YOU! 💬
Amnesty collects stories from young people who’ve taken action - online or offline. Whether it’s for climate, equality or any other cause, your voice matters.
📲 survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/ZHEFrJ
Amnesty collects stories from young people who’ve taken action - online or offline. Whether it’s for climate, equality or any other cause, your voice matters.
📲 survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/ZHEFrJ
Children's Activism
Your response would be greatly appreciated.
survey.zohopublic.eu
November 17, 2025 at 10:40 AM
👋 Are you btw 13 and 17? Do you consider yourself an activist? @amnesty.org wants to hear from YOU! 💬
Amnesty collects stories from young people who’ve taken action - online or offline. Whether it’s for climate, equality or any other cause, your voice matters.
📲 survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/ZHEFrJ
Amnesty collects stories from young people who’ve taken action - online or offline. Whether it’s for climate, equality or any other cause, your voice matters.
📲 survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/ZHEFrJ
🚀 Officially launching LEAD today at #COP30! #LEADwithUs 🌎💚
Join a growing community of defenders, civil society, philanthropy, LEAD champions, and over 100k citizens globally! Let's elevate the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📽️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXSF...
Join a growing community of defenders, civil society, philanthropy, LEAD champions, and over 100k citizens globally! Let's elevate the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📽️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXSF...
Leaders Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders #LEAD
Environmental rights defenders often put their lives on the line to defend their territories. The Leaders Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders (LEAD) brings governments, defenders, civil…
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM
🚀 Officially launching LEAD today at #COP30! #LEADwithUs 🌎💚
Join a growing community of defenders, civil society, philanthropy, LEAD champions, and over 100k citizens globally! Let's elevate the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📽️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXSF...
Join a growing community of defenders, civil society, philanthropy, LEAD champions, and over 100k citizens globally! Let's elevate the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📽️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXSF...
⚠️ The EU must uphold hard-won protections for #digital #HumanRights!
🚨 120+ orgs, unions and defenders urge the EU to halt its planned #DigitalOmnibus proposals - the biggest rollback of digital fundamental rights in EU history.
🇪🇺 Read the open letter:
ecnl.org/news/eu-must...
🚨 120+ orgs, unions and defenders urge the EU to halt its planned #DigitalOmnibus proposals - the biggest rollback of digital fundamental rights in EU history.
🇪🇺 Read the open letter:
ecnl.org/news/eu-must...
The EU must uphold hard-won protections for digital human rights
Over 120 civil society organisations, trade unions and defenders urge the EU to halt its planned Digital Omnibus proposals that are part of a broader deregulation agenda.
ecnl.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 AM
⚠️ The EU must uphold hard-won protections for #digital #HumanRights!
🚨 120+ orgs, unions and defenders urge the EU to halt its planned #DigitalOmnibus proposals - the biggest rollback of digital fundamental rights in EU history.
🇪🇺 Read the open letter:
ecnl.org/news/eu-must...
🚨 120+ orgs, unions and defenders urge the EU to halt its planned #DigitalOmnibus proposals - the biggest rollback of digital fundamental rights in EU history.
🇪🇺 Read the open letter:
ecnl.org/news/eu-must...
Reposted by ECNL
As #COP30 begins, a silent war unfolds in courtrooms. Corporations are weaponising the law to silence #ClimateDefenders through #SLAPPs.
🔗 Read on @ipsnews.net : www.ipsnews.net/2025/11/sile...
#ClimateJustice #CivicSpace #SLAPPs #COP30
🔗 Read on @ipsnews.net : www.ipsnews.net/2025/11/sile...
#ClimateJustice #CivicSpace #SLAPPs #COP30
November 11, 2025 at 8:06 AM
As #COP30 begins, a silent war unfolds in courtrooms. Corporations are weaponising the law to silence #ClimateDefenders through #SLAPPs.
🔗 Read on @ipsnews.net : www.ipsnews.net/2025/11/sile...
#ClimateJustice #CivicSpace #SLAPPs #COP30
🔗 Read on @ipsnews.net : www.ipsnews.net/2025/11/sile...
#ClimateJustice #CivicSpace #SLAPPs #COP30
🌎💚 Co-design LEAD’s next phase of work! #LEADwithUs at #COP30 in Belém.
Join today's strategy meeting of LEAD at 15:00
✏️ Register here to attend: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
👉 Find out more about the LEAD: lead-initiative.com
Join today's strategy meeting of LEAD at 15:00
✏️ Register here to attend: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
👉 Find out more about the LEAD: lead-initiative.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
🌎💚 Co-design LEAD’s next phase of work! #LEADwithUs at #COP30 in Belém.
Join today's strategy meeting of LEAD at 15:00
✏️ Register here to attend: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
👉 Find out more about the LEAD: lead-initiative.com
Join today's strategy meeting of LEAD at 15:00
✏️ Register here to attend: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
👉 Find out more about the LEAD: lead-initiative.com
🌎💚Are you at #COP30? #LEADwithUs
❇️ Join us today at 16:30 for a reception celebrating LEAD, a global initiative that elevates the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📍 Grassroots Movement for Climate Venue, no registration needed.
👉 lead-initiative.com
❇️ Join us today at 16:30 for a reception celebrating LEAD, a global initiative that elevates the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📍 Grassroots Movement for Climate Venue, no registration needed.
👉 lead-initiative.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
🌎💚Are you at #COP30? #LEADwithUs
❇️ Join us today at 16:30 for a reception celebrating LEAD, a global initiative that elevates the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📍 Grassroots Movement for Climate Venue, no registration needed.
👉 lead-initiative.com
❇️ Join us today at 16:30 for a reception celebrating LEAD, a global initiative that elevates the voices of environmental human rights defenders in #ClimateAction.
📍 Grassroots Movement for Climate Venue, no registration needed.
👉 lead-initiative.com
Reposted by ECNL
🆕 ICNL’s Civic Freedom Monitor has a new look and enhanced functionality!
⏭️ With a more interactive interface and coverage of 50+ countries, it’s easier than ever to explore global trends in civic space laws and policies.
Explore more: icnl.org/cfm
#CivicFreedom #CivicSpace
⏭️ With a more interactive interface and coverage of 50+ countries, it’s easier than ever to explore global trends in civic space laws and policies.
Explore more: icnl.org/cfm
#CivicFreedom #CivicSpace
November 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
🆕 ICNL’s Civic Freedom Monitor has a new look and enhanced functionality!
⏭️ With a more interactive interface and coverage of 50+ countries, it’s easier than ever to explore global trends in civic space laws and policies.
Explore more: icnl.org/cfm
#CivicFreedom #CivicSpace
⏭️ With a more interactive interface and coverage of 50+ countries, it’s easier than ever to explore global trends in civic space laws and policies.
Explore more: icnl.org/cfm
#CivicFreedom #CivicSpace
📹 Missed our webinar on #AI & #Democracy?
➡️ Don't worry, you can watch the full recording here:
youtu.be/a9aJHBdrVOY
➡️ Don't worry, you can watch the full recording here:
youtu.be/a9aJHBdrVOY
How to make AI safe for democracy? - AI & Democracy Webinar
During this interactive webinar on AI and democracy, researchers, policymakers, and democracy experts explored both the risks and opportunities that AI presents for democratic systems and public…
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 10:32 AM
📹 Missed our webinar on #AI & #Democracy?
➡️ Don't worry, you can watch the full recording here:
youtu.be/a9aJHBdrVOY
➡️ Don't worry, you can watch the full recording here:
youtu.be/a9aJHBdrVOY
In our latest newsletter, we are looking ahead to the future. Read about:
👀 The foresight paper on the future of civil societies
🚀 ECNL's new strategy
🌍 Global safeguards for civil disobedience and freedom of association...
... and much more!
▶️ us3.campaign-archive.com?u=e4a5924ac3...
👀 The foresight paper on the future of civil societies
🚀 ECNL's new strategy
🌍 Global safeguards for civil disobedience and freedom of association...
... and much more!
▶️ us3.campaign-archive.com?u=e4a5924ac3...
October 31, 2025 at 10:53 AM
In our latest newsletter, we are looking ahead to the future. Read about:
👀 The foresight paper on the future of civil societies
🚀 ECNL's new strategy
🌍 Global safeguards for civil disobedience and freedom of association...
... and much more!
▶️ us3.campaign-archive.com?u=e4a5924ac3...
👀 The foresight paper on the future of civil societies
🚀 ECNL's new strategy
🌍 Global safeguards for civil disobedience and freedom of association...
... and much more!
▶️ us3.campaign-archive.com?u=e4a5924ac3...