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The COVID-19 pandemic that started at the beginning of 2020 has put great constraints and significant challenges in organization of social and economic life. This paper analyses the civil society response to the COVID-19 pandemic and presents specific adaptations and opportuni)ties to contribute to the society in the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stories that civil society organizations published on the webpage ZADobroBIT.hr have been analysed by the means of a qualitative research. Thematic analysis in different scopes of activities shows that civil society organizations were more focused on the general population and various vulnerable groups. Vulnerable groups were recognized as those needing particular additional support in the course of this period. The activities aiming at general population focused on newly emerged needs related to civil protection. Civil society also worked on keeping the everyday routines in communities by conducting various types of activities. Informing and educating aimed at creating new and maintaining existing information and educational practices that adapted to pandemic circumstances. The results of the research show also that organizations have significantly changed, and quickly adapted their work with the help of technology and by using volunteer work. The results of the analysis suggest that civil society has proved flexible and able to respond quickly to emerging social needs, but also emphasized the contextual limitations of the ac)tions. Thus, the paper discusses the position and role of civil society in the “new normal“, and the impact it has on its further development in the Croatian social and political environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of the CIVICUS research Civil Society Index in Croatia, conducted in 2004 and 2005, the paper discusses to what extent is civil society becoming a relevant social force. The condition and possibilities of civil society are presented through the analysis of four key dimensions shown through the civil society diamond: the structure, the environment, values and impact. Some of important sub-dimensions of civil society, such as the extents of civic participation, donations to charity, actions in the community, the co-operation between the state and civil society, the values-led framework of action and so on are discussed in more detail thereinafter. Basic strengths and weaknesses of civil society are summed up in the end of the paper, and necessary social actions, as well as the possible directions of further research studies, are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]