In the framework of the Social Rights Monitor, we interpret civic space as an enabling space in which organised civil society and citizens participate in policymaking. They can do this thanks to the guarantee and protection of the following freedoms:

• Peaceful assembly
• Association
• Expression

The Monitor also tracks the forms of structured civil and social dialogue that exist at national level and the extent to which organised civil society is involved in policymaking. In particular, we assess whether civil society is meaningfully involved in the European Semester process. For EU candidate countries, we monitor the involvement of civil society organisations in the reforms required for the accession process.

We consider civic space essential to the realisation of a more social Europe. Civil society is vital to democracy and to amplify the voice of the people who are most neglected. The Social Rights Monitor itself is based on the inputs of civil society organisations, and it draws upon their privileged perspectives on the needs of marginalised groups and the state of inclusion at national level.