At the inaugural meeting of the Community of Practice (CoP) for the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Europe, held in Brussels on March 25–26, 2025, and co-organized by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR), the Italian “Protection Hub” was cited as an example of innovative practice and excellence within the European landscape.

The Italian experience was recognized as a model for a national protection ecosystem, capable of integrating practical support, advocacy, and monitoring of civic space, with a multi-stakeholder approach rooted locally yet connected to international networks. The “In Difesa Di” initiative was also mentioned among the national reference models.

The CoP serves as a space for strategic coordination to strengthen national hubs, improve coordination between protection and advocacy, and promote joint advocacy on upcoming EU funding cycles—in particular the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Agora program.

On this occasion, the FRA launched a survey for the 2025 Civic Space Consultation, aimed at civil society organizations active in EU Member States and observer countries (Deadline: May 10, 2026).