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The European Unionstrongly condemnsthe decision of Russian authorities todeclarethe activities ofEU-RussiaCivil Society Forumas undesirable, according to a statement from the European Union External Action (EEAS) on Wednesday.

The Russian Prosecutor Generals Office on Tuesday had effectively shut down the Berlin-based organization which hosts intergovernmental conferences and civil society events.

Civil society cooperation beyond borders and people-to-people contacts can only be desirable. However, under the current circumstances, we do not have any other choice than to discontinue cooperation with our partners from Russia, theEU-RussiaCivil Society Forum said onLinkedInas its webpage has nowgone offline.

This decisionfurther intensifiesthecrackdownonindependent civil society and media in Russia, taking place againstthe backdrop of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, the EEAS said in its statement.

The European Union urges the Russian authoritiestorepeal the current legislation on the so-called undesirable organizations and foreign agents,which severely restricts the freedoms of association and opinion, the statement added.

The European Union stands in solidarity with Russian citizens who are prevented from exercising their human rights.We will continue to support the important work of Russian civil society organizations, human rights defenders and independent media and journalists inside and outside Russia, it added.

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