After years of advocacy by EU CSOs, including European Civic Forum (ECF), the European Commission has added a Civil Society Strategy to its 2025 work plan. This milestone comes amid growing threats to civic space—restrictive laws, funding limits, harassment, and smear campaigns, including recent attacks by EPP MEPs on European NGOs. The strategy aims to support, protect, and empower civil society, strengthening democracy and fundamental rights. It follows broad mobilization and an EP resolution urging action. Over 300 CSOs backed the initiative, and ahead of the 2024 EU elections, Civil Society Europe and Social Platform launched the Civil Society for EU campaign, gaining support from 100+ newly elected MEPs. The EC’s decision follows persistent advocacy with DG JUST, EP, EESC, and leaders like Věra Jourová, Sergey Lagodinsky, and Anna Donáth. Organizations remain committed to working with EU institutions to ensure the strategy meets civic space challenges. Read more here.
Source: European Civic Forum