The Civic Space Report measures how free civil society organisations are to operate in seven countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Experts in each country scored the situation from January 2025 to June 2026 against 20 standards. These cover how governments treat civil society, the legal and financial framework, public trust and support, and influence on policy. Scores run from 1 (hostile) to 4 (enabling).
Each country page includes a summary, the full scoring table and the complete report.
Poland ranks in the middle of the European scale, offering a moderately enabling environment for NGOs. Civil society organizations can operate freely, register without major obstacles and engage in public life, though the overall climate is shaped by a mix of supportive and more challenging legal, political and societal factors.
Systematic obstacles, political pressure and serious restrictions on independent civil society.
A predominantly restrictive environment, with some remaining opportunities for civic engagement.
A mixed environment in which restrictive conditions outweigh enabling factors.
A mixed environment in which enabling conditions outweigh remaining restrictions.
Generally favourable conditions, although certain barriers and vulnerabilities appear.
Strong protections and favourable conditions for independent civil society to operate and participate.
