The European Civic Forum (ECF) is constantly working to improve its support to local organisations and movements, especially within its membership. That’s why we established the European Civic Micro-Grants, a re-granting mechanism for member organisations, through its operating grant from the CERV programme.
This is an instrument of micro-financial support to civic groups, local initiatives, and movements in the European Union. The aim is to provide a flexible response and to strengthen the capacity of member organisations in responding to societal and political challenges, but also to build and sustain constituencies and engage in European network building and policies.
We are happy to introduce the six projects selected for the 2026 call!
1. Nyt Europa (Denmark)
Project: Strengthening the infrastructure of Danish civic space monitoring and EU engagement
This project addresses the growing structural challenges in Denmark, where a 2025 mapping showed that 41% of civil society actors felt it necessary to censor themselves due to concerns about repercussions. Nyt Europa will establish a collaborative framework for systematic monitoring and documentation of civic space developments. By creating an accessible dissemination environment, the project will bridge the gap between national experiences and European advocacy mechanisms, such as the ECF Early Warning and Alerts system.
2. Glopolis (Czech Republic)
Project: Connecting Czech Networks for Civic Space Protection
Operating as the backbone for NeoN (a network of 20 umbrella organisations), Glopolis is strengthening its coordination mechanisms to protect civic space under shifting political pressures. The project focuses on legislative monitoring and preparing strategic responses to potential threats regarding NGO funding and participation. Having joined the ECF in 2025, Glopolis will use this micro-grant to build supportive coalitions with experienced European partners and better navigate EU-level protection mechanisms for Czech civil society.
3. Citizenship Academy / Academia Cidadã (Portugal)
Project: From “Europeanese” to Portuguese and vice versa
This digital intervention seeks to bridge the “communication chasm” between European technical reports and the daily lives of Portuguese citizens. By transforming the 2026 Civic Space Report into accessible social media content (videos, infographics, and carousels), the project highlights threats to the right to protest and attacks on marginalised communities. It includes a “listening” pillar where individuals can anonymously share experiences of restricted participation, linking local struggles to the MACS methodology and EU protection instruments.
4. French Federation of Europa Houses (France)
Project: Echoes of Europe
This eight-month journey targets young people furthest from EU institutions — specifically those in rural areas or priority neighbourhoods where youth unemployment can reach 22.4%. Through a “Learn, Compare, Share” methodology, participants use the Rule of Law Report and the Charter of Fundamental Rights to analyse democratic standards. The project connects French youth with peers in Cyprus and Ireland, culminating in “Europe Cafés” where young “ambassadors” present their findings to the public using interactive tools like a “Democracy Thermometer”.
5.European Movement Italy
Project: Europe Brings Europe
Targeting the lack of connection between Italian CSOs and the European dimension, this project involves a national network of over 20 pro-European youth organisations. The initiative features monthly coordination meetings and a landmark two-day national workshop on Ventotene Island. The activities focus on the EU Rule of Law report, youth participation in EU priorities, and the sustainable use of AI. The project culminates in a study visit to Brussels to connect local youth NGOs directly with European institutions and the ECF.
6. Civic Alliance Latvia (Latvia)
Project: Early warning and protection system for civic space in Latvia
In response to increasing smear campaigns, SLAPPs, and administrative obstacles facing Latvian human rights defenders, this project initiates a structured Early Warning and Protection System. Key activities include the launch of a pilot reporting mechanism for civic space threats, the creation of practical toolkits for CSOs, and the development of a pro-bono legal support network. The action directly feeds into the ECF’s broader European alert system to ensure Latvian developments are recognised at the EU level.