European Commission 2025 work programme promises a European Civil Society Strategy
In a positive development for European civil society, the European Commission has announced that it will publish a European Civil Society Strategy in the third quarter of 2025. This long-awaited commitment marks a major milestone for the sector, which has long advocated for stronger support, protection and an enabling framework to counter growing restrictions and challenges.
Civil Society Europe, Philea and other civil society organisations across the EU have called for the EU to work on such a strategy for years following hostile legislation, foreign funding restrictions and smear campaigns being used across Europe, notably in Hungary and Slovakia.
A European Civil Society Strategy offers an opportunity to reverse the shrinking civil society space and move ahead with our sector asks around enabling frameworks, overcoming barriers to cross-border philanthropy and civil dialogue and partnership. A strong and vital civil society is a key element of our pluralistic and democratic societies.
The announcement comes following the 2022 call for a Civil Society Strategy, led by Civil Society Europe, which was carried by more than 300 European civil society organisations including Philea. In the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections more than 100 MEPs stated their support for the idea.
Words must be followed by action and the sector is ready to work closely with the institutions to ensure that this strategy supports, protects and empowers civil society. This is a much-needed recognition of the value of civil society in Europe, at a time when it needs protection and a proactive agenda.
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