Russian civil society is today under unprecedented pressure from the side of Russian state agencies. The European Union must set a clear signal of support and solidarity with Russia’s emerging civil society. EC funding for Russian NGOs must be increased significantly. But we should also think about how to improve awareness raising, political support, speed up visa facilitation and more.
Introduction
Werner Schulz MEP (Vice-Chair of Parliamentary Cooperation Committee EU-Russia)
Speakers
Lilia Shibanova (Golos)
Yuri Dzhibladze (Centre for Development of Democracy and Human Rights)
Stefanie Schiffer (European Exchange)
representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service