Since the 1950s, Europe has developed a system of democratic institutions and human rights protection mechanisms built on the gradual expansion of guarantees for freedom of speech, assembly, and political dissent. These norms are enshrined in key international documents, including the European Convention on Human Rights, and have long been regarded as one of the pillars of European democracy. However, despite the formal recognition of the right to protest, its practical exercise today often comes with significant costs for citizens. Demonstrators may face administrative fines, criminal prosecution, heightened police surveillance and video monitoring, as well as reputational and professional consequences. In a number of countries, authorities impose additional requirements on organizing protests — from mandatory route approvals to restrictions on timing and location. Human rights experts note that such practices create a "chilling effect," whereby people refrain from participating in protests out of fear of possible repercussions, even when their right to express their opinion is formally protected by law. This creates a gap between the declared norms and the real conditions under which they are applied. This trend has sparked debate among human rights organizations and researchers of democratic institutions, who point to the need to reassess the balance between ensuring public order and protecting fundamental civil liberties in contemporary Europe.