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United in their dissent over mounting inequality and continuing corruption, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Central and Eastern Europe in the recent past. A new generation is asserting itself and demanding accountability of its leaders. Separate movements show similarities in origins and aims with movements earlier seen in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. In a new series of articles, The Broker seeks to understand the paths and records of these movements. By exploring what drives and shapes the conception, development and outcomes of these movements, we aim to draw lessons for wider European civic action. Why do some succeed all the way to parliament, and others fall to chaos? Are there lessons to be learned from south to east and from east to west?
On 26 June we presented the colourful outcome of our latest project Activism, artivism and beyond: Inspiring initiatives of civic power.
Severe violations of the rights of environmental activists are committed in a considerable number of upper middle-income countries.
Demonstrations in Poland against an abortion ban turned into massive protests as they became an outlet for widespread frustration over governmental corruption and a crumbling democracy.
The Ukrainian Maidan movement, in all its complexity, would not have succeeded without the support of local activists in the regions.
Inspired by the success of protests in Romania young people are demanding accountability of the political elite.
Gordana Knezevic takes a closer look at recent mass protests in Belgrade and Skopje, showing that public dissent can be driven by very different forces.
The wave of recent protests in Romania against unjust political decisions, which culminated in February 2017, represent a major step forward in the evolution of Romanian democracy.