To the attention of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
Across the European Union (EU), core EU values such as democracy, the rule of law, equality, and fundamental rights are coming under fire. Democratic institutions and protections are being eroded, while the rights of women and marginalized communities face setbacks. Civil society organizations and human rights defenders are increasingly targeted by politically motivated attacks, contributing to a shrinking civic space.
These threats are real. The EU must uphold its own values and act now with strong funding commitments in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Civil society must not stand alone.
The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is built to empower civil society in upholding fundamental rights and advancing the EU’s core values at the grassroots level. Though limited in budget, its impact is significant. It equips organisations to engage with communities, support marginalised groups, defend the rule of law, and strengthen democratic participation. In doing so, the programme helps translate the EU’s legal and political commitments into concrete action on the ground.
Despite this, the programme’s budget is inadequate to carry out its ambitions. We must invest now for a healthy democracy.
As the European Commission prepares its proposal for the next MFF, we, civil society organisations from across Europe, therefore call for a strengthened and future-proofed approach to civil society support.