Interest Group on Civil Society in the European Parliament: Launch of Website and Manifesto

María Iglesias VázquezPress release

Manifesto of Interest Group on Civil Society in the European Parliament is Launched

35+ MEPs Join Forces to Support, Protect, and Engage With Civil Society 

Civil society is needed for strong, inclusive policies, and civil society needs policymakers to stand with them. The sector is a necessary partner, playing an essential role in platforming citizens’ needs, delivering essential services, ensuring institutions remain transparent and accountable, and more. 

As civil society faces multiple challenges at both national and EU level, ranging from administrative barriers to increasing mistrust, a space must be carved out for policymakers to show their commitment and support. This is why the Interest Group on Civil Society has been established. 

The group aims to act as a space within the European Parliament to foster dialogue between MEPs and civil society actors, and facilitate the discussion and promotion of policies aiming to ensure better recognition and support to the sector. With the first meeting taking place in October 2025, next steps are now being taken with a dedicated webpage and a group manifesto, published today. 

Co-chaired by MEPs Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), and Sergey Lagodinsky (Greens/EFA), the group brings together 39 MEPs in total. 

The manifesto outlines several key commitments: 

  • Recognising civil society as a necessity for democracy,
  • Supporting the independence of civil society organisations and protecting fundamental rights, 
  • Securing civil society’s structural participation in policymaking, 
  • Supporting cross-border cooperation via the European Cross-Border Associations Directive, 
  • Ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for civil society, 
  • and monitoring the EU Civil Society Strategy to guarantee it delivers on its ambitions. 

The establishment of such a group is a necessary stride forward in delivering a Europe that reinforces civil society, not restricts it. Read the group manifesto here: https://bit.ly/3ZwDVgP and learn more at civilsocietyinterestgroup.eu.