Europe’s Future Depends on a thriving Civic Space: Why Policymakers Must Partner with Philanthropy
Brussels, 4 December 2025 – This week, as EU policymakers and philanthropic leaders gathered in Brussels for EuroPhilantopics 2025, the stakes could not be higher. As Europe redefines its priorities toward defense and competitiveness, attention is needed to ensure that social, climate preparedness, humanitarian aid and democracy work remains high on the agenda at this crucial moment.
Across the continent, civic space is under pressure. Anti-rights movements are well-funded and organised, while humanitarian aid and official development assistance (ODA) face historic cuts—the latter down 9% last year and projected to fall further. Many organisations that once relied on public funds are now turning to philanthropy.
Yet, philanthropic contributions in Europe—around €76 billion annually—cannot replace shrinking public budgets. Even if they could, the space for philanthropy itself is tightening as our new updated legal country notes showcase, with new restrictions on cross-border giving, reduced tax incentives, and “foreign agent” laws emerging.
Philanthropy can and must be a vital partner of European institutions in shaping a resilient and democratic future. To do so, policymakers must act. Philea’s European Philanthropy Manifesto offers a clear roadmap:
- Provide for enabling frameworks and empower philanthropy as a strategic partner in digital, green, and social transitions.
- Facilitate cross-border giving by creating a true single market for philanthropy.
- Engage and partner with foundations as co-investors, innovators, and implementers.
European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib stated that, “Stronger partnership with philanthropy can help Europe advance on our common priorities. We share the same values. We pursue the same goals: protecting public health, fighting the impact of climate change, defending democracy and equality, saving lives in crises, and making sure every child gets a decent education – even in a conflict.”
Philea CEO Delphine Moralis added, “We will pick up the call to enter into a more strategic dialogue with the European Commission and will review how more collaboration opportunities can be set up while counting on policymakers to provide for a favourable operating environment for Philanthropy to unleash more potential to move towards a society that works for people and the planet.”
The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is a critical opportunity to move forward. Increased budgets for civil society, Horizon Europe and simplified partnership structures are welcome steps. But to succeed, Europe needs a more strategic dialogue and deeper collaboration with philanthropy— looking also into how combining grants and mission-related investments, expanding access to social finance, and ensuring inclusive funding for just transitions, better use of foundations’ expertise and local rooting can add into the mix.
Together, we can amplify impact, defend civic space, and safeguard democracy. EuroPhilantopics is not just a meeting—it is a call to action. The question for policy makers is simple: will Europe’s future be shaped by fear and fragmentation, or by partnership and pluralism?
For more information, please contact:
Hanna Surmatz, Head of Policy, Philea
Angela Pauly, Head of Communications, Philea,
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