#39 Civil Society Under Pressure in Slovakia
What happens when civil society itself becomes a target?
In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, Lydia El-Khouri speaks with Petra Kováčiková from DigIQ about the growing pressure on civil society in Slovakia—ranging from political rhetoric and funding cuts to new regulatory burdens.
But this is not just a story about challenges. Petra also highlights how organizations are adapting, collaborating, and continuing their work in digital literacy, online safety, and youth engagement—even in a difficult environment.
From gaps in platform accountability to the early stages of the Digital Services Act, this conversation explores both the risks facing civil society and the resilience shaping its response.
In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, Lydia El-Khouri speaks with Simeon Vasilev from the GLAS Foundation about Bulgaria’s recent milestone: the inclusion of sexual orientation in hate crime legislation.
After nearly 20 years of sustained advocacy, this reform marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ protection in Bulgaria. But as Simeon explains, progress doesn’t stop at legal change. Ensuring that laws are implemented, understood, and trusted by communities is the next crucial phase.
This is a story of persistence, partnership, and progress, and a reminder that meaningful change is possible, even in challenging contexts.