Western Europe

Western Europe has traditionally maintained an exemplary level of respect for democratic standards and human rights, and has generally continued to do so in recent years despite serious economic turmoil. Nevertheless, many countries have developed problems related to their treatment of immigrants and minorities, and freedom of expression faces threats in several states. Through its presence in Brussels, Freedom House works to address these issues and to increase Western Europe’s role in supporting democratic progress abroad.

Countries & Territories: 26
489 million people
85% free
Press:
70% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

News & Updates

Joint Letters

Freedom House Urges Congress to Amend Bill That Will Harm Online Privacy

Apr 3 2013 - 4:45pm

In its current form, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), which is scheduled to be voted on by the House of Representatives in mid-April, would significantly impact U.S. citizens’ privacy online. In a letter to the bill's co-sponsors, Freedom House president David Kramer urges the lawmakers to amend the current bill to enhance Internet security while respecting existing US privacy laws.

Issues: 
Freedom of Expression, Internet Freedom, U.S. Foreign Policy
Regions: 
Western Europe
Freedom Alert

Freedom House Applauds UN Effort to Make Human Rights Priority in Arms Trade

Apr 2 2013 - 6:20pm

Freedom House applauds the United Nations (UN)’ passage of a landmark treaty to prevent the export of arms to human rights abusers. This treaty reinforces global efforts to prevent genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity and should be signed by all UN member states.

Issues: 
Human Rights Defense, Rule of Law, United Nations
Regions: 
Americas, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe
Testimonies

Press Freedom & Rule of Law in Turkey

Apr 1 2013 - 1:50pm

Susan Corke looks at the current state of press freedom in Turkey in remarks delivered at the National Press Club.

Issues: 
Civil Society, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights Defense, Media Freedom, Rule of Law
Regions: 
Western Europe
Press Release

الحرية فى العالم 2013: مكاسب الشرق الاوسط تحدث قمع مكثف

Jan 22 2013 - 10:37am

يعتبر  ظهور  الحركات الشعبية الاصلاحية القوة الدافعة وراء تحقيق مكاسب كبيرة فى الشرق الاوسط  التقرير السنوى لمؤسسة بيت الحرية   2013 حول حالة الحرية فى العالم  " . وقد شهدت عدد من المناطق انتكاسات كان السبب الرئيسى ورائها تشدد ودهاء الانظمة المستبدة  فى طريقة تعاطيها مع تلك الحركات الاصلاحية . وقد اعلن السيد  "أرش ﺑودﻳﻧﺟﺗون" نائب رئيس قسم الابحاث بمؤسسة بيت الحرية ان "النتائج التى توصلنا اليها تشير الى ان هناك تطور متزايد  لما يسمى بالمتسلطين  الجدد  " الذين يتمتعون بالمرونة ويسيئون استخدام الاطار التشريعى للدولة  لدعم حكمهم , ولديهم مهارة في تقنيات الدعاية الحديثة, ويتسمون بالعصبية التى تدفعهم لاضطهاد  الحركات الشعبية للتغيير  .

Regions: 
Americas, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe

Experts

Arch Puddington

Vice President for Research

Issues: 
Democratic Governance, Elections, Internet Freedom, Media Freedom, Religious Freedom, Rule of Law, U.S. Foreign Policy
Regions: 
Western Europe
Austria
8.5 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Belgium
11 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Cyprus
1.2 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Denmark
5.6 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Finland
5.4 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
France
64 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Germany
82 million people
Internet:
Free
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
15 / 100 (least free)
Internet Freedom
Greece
11 million people
Press:
Partly Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
2.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Greece
11 million people
Press:
Partly Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
2.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Iceland
320 thousand people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Iceland
320 thousand people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Ireland
4.7 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Italy
61 million people
Internet:
Free
Press:
Partly Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.5 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
23 / 100 (least free)
Internet Freedom
Malta
399 thousand people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Netherlands
17 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Norway
5 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Portugal
11 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Spain
46 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Sweden
9.5 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Switzerland
8 million people
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
Turkey
75 million people
Internet:
Partly Free
Press:
Partly Free
Status
Partly Free
Scores Overview
3.5 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
46 / 100 (least free)
Internet Freedom
United Kingdom
63 million people
Internet:
Free
Press:
Free
Status
Free
Scores Overview
1.0 / 7 (least free)
Freedom Rating
25 / 100 (least free)
Internet Freedom
Greenland
Scores Overview

Countries and Territories

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Cyprus
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Northern Cyprus
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom

Programs

Lifeline

The Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund provides emergency financial assistance to civil society organizations (CSOs) under threat or attack and advocacy support responding to broader threats to civil society. 

Issues: 
Civil Society, Human Rights Defense
Regions: 
Americas, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe

Dignity for All: LGBTI Assistance Program

The Dignity for All: LGBTI Assistance Program provides emergency funds, advocacy support, and security assistance to human rights defenders and civil society organizations under threat or attack due to their work for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) human rights.

Issues: 
Civil Society, Human Rights Defense, LGBTI Rights
Regions: 
Americas, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe

Emergency Assistance Programs

Freedom House administers several funds which offer emergency assistance to organizations and individuals around the world who are under threat because of their human rights work. The targeted, rapid-response aid we provide enables those at risk to protect themselves and continue their important work.

Issues: 
Civil Society, Human Rights Defense, LGBTI Rights
Regions: 
Americas, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe