Severe violations of the rights of environmental activists are committed in a considerable number of upper middle-income countries. Civil society organizations in these countries are facing an ever-shrinking space in which to do their work legally and safely. These countries are no longer eligible for most European development support, as they are perceived to be ‘rich and developed’ enough to pay for their own development projects. However, experience shows that such simple economic indicators are unsuitable for determining the form of bilateral relationships.

Demonstrations in Poland against an abortion ban turned into massive protests as they became an outlet for widespread frustration over governmental corruption and a crumbling democracy.

The Ukrainian Maidan movement, in all its complexity, would not have succeeded without the support of local activists in the regions.

Inspired by the success of protests in Romania young people are demanding accountability of the political elite.

Gordana Knezevic takes a closer look at recent mass protests in Belgrade and Skopje, showing that public dissent can be driven by very different forces.

The wave of recent protests in Romania against unjust political decisions, which culminated in February 2017, represent a major step forward in the evolution of Romanian democracy.