Green Legal Spaces Study 2025 English Executive Summary

The Green Legal Spaces study highlights how the scope for civil society action in Germany has changed since 20219 with regard to the climate movement. In a functioning democracy, it is crucial to protect freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of association. These fundamental rights are essential to protect the opinions and concerns of different sections of society and to give them space. Their use makes it possible to identify and tackle social problems at an early stage. However, the scope for action that is essential for a vibrant democracy is being increasingly restricted all over the world, in-cluding in Germany. The UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders described these develop-ments as a „major threat to democracy in Europe“. Continuously, the climate catastrophe is insuffi-ciently addressed and those who draw attention to the impending damage are increasingly restricted in their participation.