Liberties is pleased to announce the recipients of the CERV STRIVE 2026 regranting programme. Through this initiative, Liberties supports member organisations in strengthening the use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU law at national level, advancing strategic litigation, and promoting democratic values and the rule of law across Europe.
The selected projects respond to some of the most pressing fundamental rights challenges facing Europe today: from civic space restrictions and electoral rights to migration, media freedom, Roma inclusion, prison conditions, and access to justice. Together, they contribute to Liberties’ mission of empowering civil society, strengthening the practical use of the Charter, and advancing the protection of Union values through research, advocacy, capacity building and strategic litigation.
The projects will be implemented over a six-month period beginning in 2026.
Centre for Peace Studies (Croatia)
Grant awarded: €15,056
Strategic Use of the EU Charter in Migration and Asylum in Croatia
The Centre for Peace Studies will strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, legal practitioners and free legal aid providers to use the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU law in migration and asylum cases. Through training, simulation-based learning, improved referral mechanisms and practical guidance tools, the project aims to enhance strategic litigation and support the rights-compliant implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in Croatia.
By connecting legal practitioners and civil society actors, the project seeks to improve access to justice and strengthen the protection of fundamental rights for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (Hungary)
Grant awarded: €17,900
Closing the Gap Between Rights and Remedies in Elections
The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union will address a persistent rule of law challenge in Hungary: the lack of effective remedies for voters whose rights are affected by unlawful electoral practices.
Building on documented electoral cases and Charter-based legal analysis, the project will develop reform proposals aimed at strengthening access to justice in electoral matters. Through research, advocacy and engagement with decision-makers, HCLU seeks to ensure that future electoral reforms better protect fundamental rights and provide effective remedies for violations.
The project highlights the importance of Articles of the Charter related to effective judicial protection and democratic participation, helping translate rights on paper into rights in practice.
Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (Malta)
Grant awarded: €18,540
Pre-Litigation Research for Victims and Their Families
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation will undertake legal research and case preparation for what could become the first constitutional class action of its kind in Malta concerning excessive delays in criminal proceedings.
Focusing on the right to life and the right to a fair hearing under the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the project will support victims’ families affected by lengthy court proceedings while generating new research and legal analysis on access to justice.
The initiative aims to strengthen the use of Charter-based arguments in Malta and lay the groundwork for strategic litigation capable of producing systemic improvements in the justice system.
Coalizione Italiana Libertà e Diritti Civili – CILD (Italy)
Grant awarded: €17,770
Reclaiming RAI: Safeguarding Public Media Independence in Italy
CILD will use the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) as an opportunity to strengthen media freedom and public service media independence in Italy.
The project combines legal research, capacity building, coalition building and public advocacy to promote compliance with Article 11 of the EU Charter and EMFA standards. Through workshops, legal briefings and public campaigning, it will support journalists, civil society organisations and policymakers working to safeguard editorial independence and reduce political interference in public broadcasting.
By building a stronger advocacy ecosystem around media freedom, the project aims to contribute to a more pluralistic and resilient democratic environment.
Antigone (Italy)
Grant awarded: €10,000
DEFEND: Detention Evidence for European Surrender Decisions
Antigone will transform prison monitoring data into practical legal tools for strategic litigation and judicial cooperation across Europe.
The project addresses a major challenge in European Arrest Warrant proceedings: the lack of accessible, reliable information on detention conditions. By producing standardised English-language reports and legal evidence based on prison monitoring data, Antigone will support lawyers and judges assessing risks of inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 4 of the Charter.
The project strengthens the practical application of fundamental rights protections while promoting greater transparency and accountability in detention systems.
Peace Institute (Slovenia)
Grant awarded: €18,700
Voices to Action: Participatory Research and Advocacy for Roma Rights in Slovenia
The Peace Institute will work with Roma communities, civil society organisations and public authorities to address persistent discrimination and barriers to fundamental rights.
Through participatory research, stakeholder consultations and capacity-building activities, the project will examine how Charter rights related to dignity, equality, children's rights, social protection and access to remedies are experienced in practice by Roma communities.
The resulting evidence and policy recommendations will support advocacy efforts aimed at reducing discrimination and promoting more inclusive, rights-based public policies in Slovenia.
Estonian Human Rights Centre (Estonia)
Grant awarded: €16,820
One Voice, Shared Values: Estonian Civil Society for Fundamental Rights
Ahead of Estonia’s 2027 parliamentary elections, the Estonian Human Rights Centre will bring together civil society organisations to strengthen a shared, Charter-based voice in public debate.
The project combines training on the Charter, strategic coordination among human rights organisations and a national public awareness campaign focused on democratic values, civic participation and fundamental rights.
By fostering collaboration and developing common advocacy messages, the initiative seeks to ensure that fundamental rights remain visible and relevant in Estonia’s political and public discourse.
League of Human Rights (Czechia)
Grant awarded: €15,210
Strengthening Civic Space and Legal Preparedness in Czechia
The League of Human Rights will help Czech civil society organisations respond more effectively to growing pressure on civic space.
The project focuses on legal preparedness, cooperation between civil society actors and legal professionals, and strategic communication on rule of law issues. Through practical tools, stakeholder coordination and awareness-raising activities, it will strengthen organisations’ ability to respond to legal threats, intimidation and attacks targeting civil society.
The initiative contributes to building a more resilient civic sector capable of defending democratic participation and fundamental rights.
Supporting Rights and Values Across Europe
The CERV STRIVE 2026 grantees demonstrate the diversity and strength of Liberties’ network. From strengthening access to justice and protecting civic space to advancing media freedom, electoral integrity and the rights of vulnerable communities, these projects will help bring the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights closer to everyday practice.
By investing in national-level expertise, strategic litigation, research and advocacy, Liberties continues to support civil society organisations working to safeguard democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights across Europe. All activities related to the CERV STRIVE 2026 regranting call are funded by the EU in the scope of Liberties operated Framework Partnership Agreement support STRIVE.
More on the CERV STRIVE 2026 project
