The European Union has “strongly” condemned a decision by Russia to declare the activities of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum as “undesirable.” In a statement issued on April 12, the EU said the decision further intensifies the crackdown on independent civil society and media in Russia amid the country’s unprovoked war against Ukraine. The bloc renewed its call on Russian authorities to repeal the current legislation on so-called “undesirable organizations” and “foreign agents,” which severely restrict the freedoms of association and opinion, in order to bring Russian legislation in line with the country’s international obligations.