Civil Society Strategy — from words to action!
On 12 November, the European Commission published its long-awaited Civil Society Strategy, which intends to protect, support and empower civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs).
CSOs like the European Civic Forum have been campaigning for a strategy like this for years, and it comes at a crucial moment.
Now, we need the Commission and EU member states to turn words in to action.
In our latest briefing, we explain why the strategy is important, and how to turn it into concrete policy.
Short on time? Scroll down to find out everything you need to know!
This is a landmark recognition of the role civic actors play every day. From combatting corruption and democratic backsliding to mobilising in response to emergencies such as the pandemic and environmental disasters, civil society helps to turn fundamental rights into a reality.
But our work does not end here — the strategy is only a starting point. We will continue to mobilise to ensure that European Commission sticks to its promises and transforms its words into ambitious, and concrete action, and that our governments uphold their duties to fund, engage, and protect civil society.
Why do we need a strategy?
Civil society is a cornerstone of our democracies. It brings together people from all walks of society who and want to make a difference. It allows people’s voices to be heard at the highest levels, and serves as an essential watchdog, exposing corruption and rights violations and holding governments and institutions to account.
But civic space — the operating environment for CSOs and human rights defenders — is under threat. All over Europe, we are seeing the right to protest, the freedom of speech, and access to funding coming under attack. We need the EU and national governments to take action to reverse this trend.
What is Civic Space?
Civic space is the physical or digital environment that allows people to come together, express their opinions, and take action on issues that matter to them. It includes freedoms like speaking out, protesting, joining or creating groups and organisations, and accessing information.
When civic space is open, people can hold governments and powerful institutions to account, demand the respect of fundamental rights, and work for positive change in society. When it is restricted, people face censorship, threats, or even violence for speaking up.
Open, healthy civic space is essential for democracy, justice, and a fair society where everyone’s voice counts.
Civic Space Report 2025
In our latest Civic Space Report, we document an “unprecedented and intensified attack” on civil society and civic freedoms, including restrictions on protest rights, challenges to non-profit funding, and smear campaigns.
We call on EU and national leaders to take concrete actions to protect and expand the space for civil society, particularly in the context of a growing assault on democracy.
What is in the Commission’s strategy?
The strategy is a landmark document. It recognises civil society as essential to democracy — a view shared by most Europeans. It notes that democracy only works when people are heard, and that civil society’s advocacy role is essential for bringing people’s voices into political decisions, mobilising communities, defending our rights, exposing corruption, and holding governments and institutions to account.
It calls for civil society to be included whenever laws and policies are made — at every stage of the process.
The document also recognises that because of this vital democratic role, governments have a duty to support civil society.
It says that civil society organisations need adequate, stable, and transparent funding in order to do their work.
It also recognises the growing attacks on NGOs and activists from anti-democratic actors and calls for measures to protect those at risk.
Want to dive into the detail? Read our new briefing!
What needs to happen now?
The strategy is full of positive language and important recognitions. But in order to have a real impact, we need EU institutions and national governments to take concrete action. They must now uphold their responsibilities towards civil society and bring in measures to ensure that:
1. Civil society is involved at all stages of the policymaking process
2. Civil society has access to adequate, stable, and transparent funding.
3. NGOs, associations, and activists are protected from threat and harm, and are able to carry out their work free from fear or attack.
How can I get involved?
Are you a non-profit worker, a volunteer, or simply someone who cares about civil society? Why not get involved to help turn the European Commission’s words in to action?
Write to your government/ local representative
Get in touch with your government or local MP and urge them to back this strategy and turn words into action!
Why not use our model letter for inspiration?
Email your MEP urging them to support civil society in the European Parliament
Civil society is under growing pressure from anti-democratic MEPs in the European Parliament. Write to your MEP urging them to stand up for civil society and democracy!
