{"id":162180,"date":"2026-01-08T13:21:05","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T12:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cesie.org\/?post_type=mec-events&p=162180"},"modified":"2026-01-08T16:45:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T15:45:16","slug":"civicchampions-civic-space-democracy-italy","status":"publish","type":"mec-events","link":"https:\/\/cesie.org\/en\/events\/civicchampions-civic-space-democracy-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"Civic Champions: civic space and democracy in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

National Conference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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 \u2014 made up of participation, dissent and monitoring \u2014 is undergoing a deep transformation, marked by new pressures and new restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CivicChampions<\/strong><\/a> 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join in too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>We look forward to seeing you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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on Monday 19 January, 2026<\/strong> | at 6:00 pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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at ExtraLibera<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 via Stamira 5, 00162, Roma<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Attendance is free but few spots are available<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book your own here<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why participate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The event will be structured as an open talk<\/strong>, with direct dialogue with the audience<\/strong>, aimed at fostering critical reflection on the current situation of civic space in Italy<\/strong> and on the tools to address and monitor its progressive shrinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Agenda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The talk will feature contributions from:
\u2022 Erasmo Palazzotto<\/strong> \u2013 ARCI representative for civic spaces and democracy
\u2022 Leonardo Ferrante<\/strong> \u2013 National coordinator for civic anti-corruption and civic monitoring for Libera<\/em>
\u2022 Alice Basiglini <\/strong>\u2013 Head of Communications and Campaigns at Baobab Experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The event will be followed by a screening of the project documentary<\/strong> and an informal refreshment offered by CESIE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About Civic Champions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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CivicChampions \u2013 Empowering civil society organisations and activists championing human rights and democratic values in the EU<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Partners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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