EDITO: Taking stock of the last five years, looking ahead to the next.

by Iñaki Arrizabalaga | 31 July 2024 | Op-Ed

This month saw big steps in the renewal of the European institutions for the next five years. The new cohort of MEPs took up their seats, committee chairs were elected, and on 18 July, Ursula von der Leyen was confirmed as the President of the European Commission for...

EDITO: As the EU elections approach, civic space continues to shrink

by Benjamin Goodwin | 29 May 2024 | Op-Ed

The European elections kick off in just one week. Over four days, millions of voters will go to the polls to elect new members of the European Parliament, at a crucial moment for Europe. These elections come after a difficult five years, with many feeling anxious for...

Joint letter – Georgia: Last chance to stop Russian-style crackdown on civil society

by Joint letter | 14 May 2024 | Open letter

International human rights organizations, civil society groups, and election observers are urging European and national leaders to promptly address the Georgian government’s attempt to crackdown on civil society as the country approaches its General Elections in...

EDITO: Reflecting on 2023, preparing for the next five years

by European Civic Forum | 02 May 2024 | Op-Ed

Last week, ECF members and staff gathered in Marseille for our General Assembly. There, we discussed many topics, including reflecting on our achievements and lessons from 2023 and looking ahead to the European elections and beyond! 2023 was indeed an active year,...

EDITO: One step closer to cross-border associations

by Benjamin Goodwin | 27 March 2024 | Op-Ed

Earlier this month, the European Parliament voted to back the proposed European Cross Border Associations Directive (ECBA), marking a milestone in the decades-long calls for an EU-wide legal status. The institutions must now ensure that the final text ensures that...

EDITO: To build inclusive democracies, we need genuine civil dialogue

by Benjamin Goodwin | 08 March 2024 | Op-Ed

Since Monday, we have been celebrating Civil Society Week at the European Economic and Social Committee. This year’s theme: rise up for democracy. The choice of this theme comes amid the acknowledgement that democracy is threatened from within, with the growing...