Philea calls for concrete EU action to protect civil society and enable cross-border philanthropy
Philea and its members contributed to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Civil Society Week at a critical time when civic space is facing mounting pressure. With over 800 stakeholders in attendance from 17-20 March, the event focused on forging actionable strategies to strengthen participation, cohesion and resilience in our increasingly polarised societies. Philea used this key platform to call for an enabling environment for philanthropy.
Philea and its Legal Affairs Committee co-organised two official sessions as part of the EESC Civil Society Liaison Group: a high-level panel on sustainable funding for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and a session on the European Civil Society Strategy. Philea also contributed to discussions on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), ensuring that philanthropy’s voice is heard in shaping future EU funding structures, and together with key partners used the opportunity to review the impact of the EU AML package on civil society.
EESC President Oliver Röpke set the tone for the week, urging action against efforts to delegitimize civil society organisations and restrict their resources. “We must resist efforts to delegitimize civil society organisations or restrict their access to the resources essential for democratic participation.” Discussions throughout the week reinforced the imperative: liberal democracy requires pluralistic societies, and this demands a robust enabling environment for philanthropy and wider civil society.
Advancing Sustainable Funding for Civil Society
Philea’s session on funding convened civil society, the European Commission and the European Economic Area (EEA)/Norway Grants representatives to explore practical ways to support and sustain CSOs. Participants emphasized the need for both philanthropic and public funding to enable CSOs to serve as providers and advocates. The Commission called on stakeholders to highlight the importance of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme in the ongoing MFF consultations, and the EEA Norway Grants representative outlined opportunities under its next Civil Society Fund. The session also stressed the need to create a supportive cross-border environment for philanthropy .
During the session on the MFF, the EESC’s Seamus Boland reinforced the urgency: “The health of a democracy is measured by its ability to support civil society organisations in what they do.” In the follow-up EESC plenary session, European Commissioner McGrath picked up the ask to ensure financial support for civil society within the next MFF.
Shaping a European Civil Society Strategy
The conversation on the EU Civil Society Strategy acknowledged an urgent reality: narratives undermining civic space now extend beyond Russia, Hungary, and Georgia to Brussels and other Member States. Participants welcomed the European Commission’s commitment to a comprehensive Civil Society Strategy in its 2025 work programme as an important proactive step to protect, engage, enable and support civil society. The Commission is currently soliciting input, with the Civil Society Strategy being aligned with other initiatives, including the European Democracy Shield, the Civil Society Platform and the rule of law toolbox. Philea stated its interest in co-shaping this strategy and joining the civil society platform.
What’s next: from words to action
Building on Civil Society Week’s momentum, Philea continues its advocacy to safeguard the philanthropic space and enhance EU funding mechanisms for CSOs engaged in advocacy. Key priorities include:
- Influencing the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework: Philea will actively contribute to MFF consultations to ensure philanthropy is recognised as a vital actor in the EU funding ecosystem.
- Engaging with policymakers: A high-level discussion with Commissioner McGrath’s cabinet is planned to drive forward policies supporting civil society including philanthropy.
- Advancing the European Philanthropy Manifesto: Efforts will focus on breaking down barriers to cross-border philanthropy and advocating for a Single Market for Philanthropy, enhancing philanthropy’s impact across Europe.
The path ahead demands coordinated action. Philea remains committed to working alongside EU institutions, philanthropy networks, and civil society partners to create a more resilient, well-funded, and empowered civic sector. Now is the time to transform dialogue into decisive action.
Photo credit: EESC
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