the project
WING
EmpoWerING Actors in Civic Space Protection
Its mission is to promote fundamental rights and an open civic space by empowering actors to prevent and address the criminalisation of solidarity with migrants.
context
Values, fundamental rights and the civic space constitute the backbone of the European Union
According to the EU Treaties, the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (TEU, article 2). These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail. However, civic space in Europe is under threat. Reports by Civil Rights Watch show that recently several EU member states have passed legislation restricting, for instance, the right to protest for environmental defenders. Even the regulatory landscape governing the right to peaceful assembly in several member states continues to contravene international standards. In this context, WING aims to protect and promote civic space by empowering civil society organisations (CSOs) and individuals acting in solidarity with migrants and other groups in vulnerable situations.
when
From June 1st, 2025 until May 31st, 2027
approach
WING is structured around a comprehensive set of measures and tools tailored to the needs of its target groups
It offers innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of criminalisation and strengthen the protection of civic space and fundamental rights
The project is grounded in a multi-actor approach, which includes
- Collaboration and shared responsibility among stakeholders
- Integrated strategies to build a robust ecosystem that supports civic actors
Engagement of diverse stakeholders, including
- CSOs affected by the criminalisation of solidarity (e.g., those supporting migrants, LGBTQ+ communities, Roma people)
- European policymakers
- Media actors.
objective
WING – EmpoWerING Actors in Civic Space Protection is
a transnational initiative responding to the growing criminalisation of solidarity and shrinking civic spaces in Europe. Its mission is to promote fundamental rights and an open civic space by empowering actors to prevent and address the criminalisation of solidarity with migrants. It does so through case monitoring, co-creation of solutions, cross-border collaboration, civic-policy dialogue, and awareness-raising activities.
strategy
The project is grounded in a multi-actor approach, which includes
It addresses the criminalisation of solidarity as part of a broader civic space deterioration
It collects and monitors data on criminalisation cases and amplifies the voices of affected individuals and organisations.
It builds bridges between diverse civic actors, nationally and transnationally, fostering solidarity across sectors and different groups in vulnerable situations.
It co-develops practical, cross-sector strategies to counter criminalisation and support civic resilience.
ismu's role
Coordinator
As the project coordinator, ISMU ETS leads the overall management and communication strategy of WING.
It is also responsible for drafting a Methodological Note, which will consolidate and present the main methodologies used to monitor the criminalisation of solidarity.
consortium
Partners
The WING project is implemented by a diverse and experienced consortium of organizations committed to defending civic space and countering the criminalisation of solidarity with migrants across Europe. The consortium brings together expertise in civic space protection, public policy, legal advocacy, civic monitoring, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder engagement. It includes
A Brussels-based membership NGO working to ensure social rights and inclusion for undocumented migrants across Europe.
BELGIUM
The oldest and largest NGO in Greece dedicated to promoting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees through legal and social services, advocacy, strategic litigation, and training of key stakeholders.
GREECE
A legal expert organisation specializing in migration law, offering free legal assistance and training programs
FRANCE
A leading human rights NGO focused on defending the right to asylum and international protection, strengthening the rule of law and civil society, and promoting fairness in the criminal justice system
HUNGARY
A member of the Oxfam International Confederation, which includes 21 organizations working in over 85 countries to combat the root causes of inequality and injustice in partnership with local communities
ITALY
An organization supporting migrants and refugees in their integration and personal development through material, psychological, legal, housing, educational, and employment assistance
POLAND
A technical and creative organization developing innovative solutions for business and community challenges, with expertise ranging from consultancy to web application development—always with a focus on meaningful impact
ROMANIA
(Programma CERV – Grant Agreement n°101214228)
Finanziato dall’Unione Europea. Le opinioni espresse sono esclusivamente quelle dell’autore/i e non riflettono necessariamente quelle dell’Unione Europea. Né l’Unione Europea né l’autorità concedente possono essere ritenute responsabili.