National Conference
The health of a democracy is not measured only by the voting process, but also by the vigour of the space that citizens hold between elections. Today, that space — made up of participation, dissent and monitoring — is undergoing a deep transformation, marked by new pressures and new restrictions.
CivicChampions exists to meet this challenge: not to submit to the change, but to rule it through knowledge. The ongoing question concerns a crucial boundary: where does the norm end and the restriction of our civil liberties begin?
Let’s discuss it together at the national conference in Rome: a free public event focusing on civic space and the state of democracy in Italy and Europe.
Join in too!
We look forward to seeing you
on Monday 19 January, 2026 | at 6:00 pm
at ExtraLibera – via Stamira 5, 00162, Roma
Attendance is free but few spots are available
Why participate
In a context marked by growing restrictions, pressures and transformations affecting democratic space, the event offers a moment of exchange between analyses, data and experiences, with a specific focus on the Italian context and its connections with broader European dynamics.
The event will be structured as an open talk, with direct dialogue with the audience, aimed at fostering critical reflection on the current situation of civic space in Italy and on the tools to address and monitor its progressive shrinking.
Agenda
The talk will feature contributions from:
• Erasmo Palazzotto – ARCI representative for civic spaces and democracy
• Leonardo Ferrante – National coordinator for civic anti-corruption and civic monitoring for Libera
• Alice Basiglini – Head of Communications and Campaigns at Baobab Experience
The event will be followed by a screening of the project documentary and an informal refreshment offered by CESIE.
About Civic Champions
CivicChampions – Empowering civil society organisations and activists championing human rights and democratic values in the EU is a European project funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV), which aims to strengthen democratic participation in Southern Europe (Bulgaria, Italy, Greece and Cyprus) by equipping civil society organisations with tools to report threats to civic space, monitor violations and build public trust.
Partners
For further information
Read more about the project. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Antonio Dolcemascolo: antonio.dolcemascolo@cesie.org.
