Civil Society Week 2026 – People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!

The European Economic and Social Committee will host the Civil Society Week 2026 “People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!” on 2-5 March in Brussels.

Europe is facing a pivotal moment. Social and economic inequalities, rapid technological change, anti-democratic forces, and geopolitical instability are straining the foundations of the European project.

With democracy and civic space under mounting pressure, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and free media face growing constraints – from restrictive laws and disinformation campaigns to underfunding and public distrust. Deepening polarisation and eroding trust in institutions further undermine Europe’s democratic model.

Civil Society Week 2026 will bring together a wide range of voices, from grassroot activists and youth representatives to EU policymakers, journalists, and organised civil society across Europe including candidate countries.

The event will focus on advancing diversity, civic engagement, equality, and inclusion as key pathways to renewing Europe’s social and democratic promise for future generations. This means tackling poverty, reducing social exclusion, involving citizens, and bridging divides across regions and generations to rebuild trust and foster lasting social cohesion.

Philea will co-organise two sessions at Civil Society Week 2026; “Building an enabling environment for democratic resilience” on 4 March; and “Funding civil space: the role of the EU and other donors” on 5 March.