The status of democracy and fundamental freedoms in the
Euro-Mediterranean region has continued to backslide or remained at a negative status quo over the past years. The sweeping powers, permitted to governments under the Covid-19 pandemic, have in many countries exacerbated illiberal and authoritarian trends. Political regimes often seem unwilling or incapable to pursue genuine democratic reforms and protect fundamental freedoms. Collaborations between civil society organisations, state actors and international actors like the EU is also increasingly put under pressure from new populist political forces, and increasing instability.