Democracy and freedoms
The sweeping powers permitted to governments under the Covid-19 pandemic have in many countries exacerbated illiberal and authoritarian trends, and governments and state institutions have often seemed unwilling or incapable of pursuing genuine democratic reforms and protecting fundamental freedoms. Amongst the most pressing reform issues one finds judicial reform, constitutional reform, reform of the institutions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and rights, and reform of institutions responsible for prohibiting gender-based violence.
The collaboration between civil society organisations, state actors and, in some instances, international actors like the EU, is also increasingly put under pressure from new populist political forces and increasing instability. Read more on this political goal.