The creation of an enabling environment for CSOs is vital for an effective, vibrant, and active civil society in both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities.   

An enabling environment includes various aspects such as supportive legal and financial frameworks and participation of civil society in decision-making processes.  

An enabling environment for CSOs is not only key for their ability to operate, expand, grow, but also for the creation of an effective, vibrant, and active civil society as a vital element for health democracies. Hence, it is the responsibility of states to protect and take positive measures to establish and maintain such an enabling environment.

When is the environment considered enabling for CSOs? There is no accepted definition of civil society’s enabling environment, and different issues fall under this concept. At the minimum, the environment is considered enabling when the fundamental rights to freedoms of association, assembly, and expression are de-jure and de-facto protected. It is expected to also ensure a conducive financial environment and requires the participation of civil society in decision-making processes.