BRUSSELS — The European Union has raised serious concerns over the recent adoption of El Salvador’s Foreign Agents Law, calling it a threat to civil society and democratic freedoms in the Central American nation. In a statement issued on June 7, 2025, the European External Action Service (EEAS) urged El Salvador to uphold its international human rights obligations and protect the space for independent civic engagement.
The law, passed by El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly and published on June 6, imposes strict regulations on organizations receiving foreign funding, requiring them to register as “foreign agents” and submit to heavy reporting requirements. Critics argue that the legislation risks stifling civil society by limiting access to international resources and exposing activists to legal and political reprisals.
“The EU regrets the Foreign Agents Law adopted by the Salvadorian Legislative Assembly and published yesterday,” the EEAS spokesperson said. “This legislation… risks restricting civil society actors’ access to funding, which is essential for their functioning and vital to any healthy democracy.”
Human Rights Defenders Detained
The statement also voiced alarm over the recent detentions of human rights defenders, urging the Salvadoran government to respect fundamental rights including freedom of expression, due process, and personal safety.
The EU specifically highlighted El Salvador’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which the country ratified in 1996. The Covenant enshrines protections for civil and political liberties, including the rights to association and expression.
“These developments raise serious questions about the state of democratic governance in El Salvador,” the EU noted.
Development Cooperation at Risk
While reaffirming its commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development in El Salvador, the EU warned that the new law and the broader trend of shrinking civic space could jeopardize future cooperation.
“The new legislation on foreign agents and the shrinking space for civil society risks undermining development and could negatively impact cooperation,” the statement read.
The EU has long supported initiatives aimed at strengthening rule of law, transparency, and citizen participation in El Salvador, particularly in the face of persistent challenges such as gang violence, corruption, and economic inequality.
Regional and International Response Expected
The EU’s public rebuke adds to growing international scrutiny of President Nayib Bukele’s administration, which has faced criticism for consolidating power, weakening democratic institutions, and targeting critics under the guise of national security.
Human rights organizations and regional bodies, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), are expected to respond in the coming days.
As El Salvador moves forward with implementing the controversial law, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on how the government will balance national sovereignty with its obligations to protect democratic values and human rights.
El Salvador: Statement by the Spokesperson on the Foreign Agents Law and recent developments
