Civil Society Europe’s Stance on the Proposed EU Civil Society Strategy

The EU Civil Society Strategy is here. This proposal comes at a crucial time where civil society faces increasing pressure in the EU and beyond, while the rule of law and democracy are being challenged. 

CSE, together with civil society at national and EU level, has called for this strategy for several years. In 2022, our call to include such a strategy in the European Commission’s work plan was supported by over 340 organisations across Europe, and this was followed by our Civil Society for EU campaign and pledge, which had the support of 105 elected MEPs. 

We are pleased to see that with the adoption of the strategy, the Commission takes a long term commitment towards engaging with civil society, developing a favourable environment, and supporting it. The strategy recognises the important role that civil society plays in contributing to policymaking, representing diverse groups, enhancing and protecting democracy inside and outside the EU, and helping to keep the rule of law in check.

Among the key features announced, we welcome the inclusion of the Civil Society Platform. This should be a key space for civil dialogue between civil society organisations acting on fundamental rights and democracy and the European Commission, while working towards reinforcing civil dialogue at national level. We also welcome the 10 guiding principles for dialogue with civil society, which should act as a framework for implementing civil dialogue across the Commission, in other EU institutions and bodies, and in Member States. CSE will continue to call for an inter-institutional agreement on civil dialogue at EU level. 

We are glad to see a focus on an enabling space for civil society, and monitoring of the environment in which civil society operates to develop clear data and centralised information, including on the gaps in protecting civil society with a view to explore further action in this key area. We note the proposal of an online knowledge hub on civic space, which will be developed with the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and will monitor the state of civic space and identify trends and gaps. However, civil society’s expertise should be included in the preparation of this hub. 

We remain convinced that implementing a monitoring and alert mechanism, which would monitor civic space restrictions and allow for a quick response will be key. This should be complemented by hubs to protect Human Rights Defenders and organisations under attack through financial, legal and psycho-social support.

The commitment of support for civil society in the next EU long-term budget, and in particular through Agora EU and external action is positive. We are also pleased to see the development of a dialogue with philanthropy and civil society in the strategy which should lead to regulatory changes to achieve a Single Market for Philanthropy, enabling foundations, charity lotteries and donors to operate across borders without undue regulatory obstacles. We also welcome how this complements the Democracy shield, also issued today (12/11/2025) with its focus on societal resilience, support to civic education, protection of independent media and activists, and the establishment of a stakeholders’ Forum within the future European Centre for Democratic Resilience.

Civil Society Europe is strongly committed to a successful implementation and strengthening of the civil society strategy. We will continue to drive the work with civil society organisations at all levels, cooperate with EU institutions, the Fundamental Rights Agencies and the EESC, and key stakeholders to make this a success, allowing civil society to thrive across Europe.

The main points of the strategy can be found here.