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Civil Society Europe

@eucivilsociety.bsky.social

Civil Society Europe (CSE) is a network of civil society organisations active in civil, economic, cultural, social and environmental rights working to promote civic participation in Europe ℹ️ civilsocietyeurope.eu

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European Partnership for Democracy @epd.eu · last wk.

💫 A new buzzword is about to crowd your feeds: the Stakeholder Platform of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience - one of the key components of the #EuropeanDemocracyShield. 🧵

There's a new Stakeholder Platform in the making

How should it be shaped? And how can civil society contribute?

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 7d ago

📢 We’re hiring for 2 open positions - find out more below and apply now! Events & Admin Officer (Part-time): bit.ly/4pM6u65 Communications Assistant (Internship): bit.ly/4wkndA2 #EUCivilSociety #Hiring

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last wk.

🧑‍🏫Yesterday, we held a workshop for communications professionals on how to craft engaging narratives for civil society. Thank you to Seden Anlar for her expertise, and to all the participants who made the session so engaging! #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2w ago

🫂 Welcome FEANTSA! We are very pleased to announce that the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) has joined our network! Visit FEANTSA’s website to learn about their mission: www.feantsa.org #EUCivilSociety

Announcement welcoming FEANTSA into the Civil Society Europe network, showing both organizations' logos in top left corner. Black and white photo of hands joining in top right corner. Text that says "Welcome FEANTSA. Civil Society Europe is pleased to welcomed the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) to our network"!

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2w ago

🎉 We’re hiring a communications assistant (internship) - find out more below and apply now! Apply by 9 August 2026 at 23:59: bit.ly/4wkndA2 #EUCivilSociety #Hiring

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2w ago

⚖️ Only advocacy that remains close to people can be fair and sustainable. Today, we hear from Jan Bazyl, director of Grupa Zagranica, as part of ‘The Power of Many’ series. Learn more about CSE’s ‘Voices of Millions’ campaign here: bit.ly/4tqscgh #VoicesOfMillions #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Read Jan's story: Grupa Zagranica gathers 62 Polish civil society organisations working in humanitarian aid, international cooperation and global education. Our mission is to boost public knowledge about global challenges and monitor Polish international cooperation. We act as a representative voice for the sector, making sure that aid is about actual impact.

We act by listening. Our secretariat is like a “helpdesk” for members that connects them with partners. Since our members work on the front lines, their priorities become our priorities and shape our advocacy.

We gather their expertise and channel it to decision-makers in Warsaw and Brussels. It is a way to ensure that policies reflect real needs.

With time, this has led to tangible changes. Grupa Zagranica helped shape Poland’s 2011 Development Cooperation Act, the first legal framework for Polish aid, ensuring that resources are used effectively on the ground. We also influenced national school curricula, so that young people grow up with a better understanding of issues such as climate change or migration.

Through the recent EU Presidency Project, we’ve supported small local organisations to bring topics like climate justice and decolonial education to their communities. This way, we have managed to spark broader public conversations.

Since most Polish organisations are small, being part of an EU network like CONCORD really matters. It gives us “insider” knowledge of how the EU works, as well as legitimacy in front of national authorities. We are seen as part of a wider European force.

If these networks disappeared, policies would be driven only by political and economic interests, far from people’s realities. The human side of cooperation would fade, and with it, fairness and sustainability.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 4w ago

As part of ‘The Power of Many’ series, we hear from Yulia Ralko of the Belarusian National Youth Council (RADA), member of the European Youth Forum. Learn more here: bit.ly/4tqscgh #VoicesOfMillions #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Read Yulia’s story: The Belarus National Youth Council (RADA) is a voluntary union of 44 youth organisations, created to consolidate, represent, promote and defend the rights of youth organisations and young people in Belarus. Unfortunately, because of repression in the country, RADA has been operating underground since 2006.

What is our goal? To provide information on youth issues and rights at local and international levels, strengthen cooperation between youth civil society and the EU, and increase the capacity of youth organisations through educational programs.

Even though Belarus isn’t a member of the EU, it’s important for us that Belarusian youth are heard because EU decisions directly affect them. Almost 11,000 Belarusians study in Polish universities and after mass protests in 2020, many young Belarusians were forced to migrate.

Last December, the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe appointed a Youth Delegate from the Belarusian democratic movement to the 2026 Congress. This was historic for Belarus. We never had a Youth Delegate before, particularly at a time when democracy is under pressure.

Since many Belarusian young people are forced into exile in Europe, they greatly depend on EU programmes and opportunities, which should remain accessible. This helps promote EU values by offering them a safer, democratic environment to live.

If we could not be a part of an EU network, our society could fall further to Russian propaganda with no clear ways to escape it. We also wouldn’t be able to communicate the needs and ideas of young people in Belarus and give them a voice beyond our borders.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 4w ago

Apply to become a member of the Civil Society Platform by 3 August 2026! Find all the information about the Platform, its eligibility criteria and the application process in the call for expression of interest (bit.ly/4eOHSWI) and the Platform’s Term of Reference (bit.ly/4f5xVmt). #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

How can civil society strengthen resilience, learning & accountability beyond compliance? Join the CoQuality conference exploring quality management for Europe’s third sector. 📅 14 October 2026 📍 KBR Brussels ⏰ Register by 17 July 2026: bit.ly/4uVehjU

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

📬Our June 2026 newsletter is out! Find it here: tinyurl.com/5cuffcjt #EUCivilSociety #Newsletter

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

☎️ Call for participants in Civil Society State of the Union 2027! Register to participate as a sub-working group member or co-chair, and help gather ideas and demands to improve conditions for civil society in the EU. Register here: tinyurl.com/bdhyme7t #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

🗣️ Stronger civil society, media and culture means a stronger Europe. Check our infographic to discover stable funding mechanisms for civil society. Stay updated on ‘Voices of Millions’ on our website: bit.ly/3RjPEyk #EUCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions

Infographic with the following information: A stronger civil society, media and culture means a stronger Europe. Meaningful impact requires more than uncertain funding. What mechanisms can ensure stable funding for civil society, media and culture in the next EU long-term budget? The AgoraEU programme amounts to 8.6 billion euros for culture, media and civil society. The European Parliament's proposal for a 25% increase amounts to 11 billion euros. How to achieve stable funding? Strengthen AgoraEU through revenue from fines under Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, and AI Act. Allocate 85% of funds to civil society under CERV+, the key funding resource for civil society. Ensure sustainable and long-term funding: CERV+ should continue to provide operating grants. The message is clear: it's time to invest in civil society. Logos of "Voices of Millions" and "Co-funded by the European Union" on bottom right corner,

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

Are you a consultant with experience of EU affairs and EU civil society, with excellent research and writing skills? Then we're looking for you! More info can be found here: lnkd.in/egUTJunZ #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

On 23 June, we cooperated in the organisation of the Civil Dialogue Forum hosted by the European Parliament and European Commission, to promote structured civil dialogue and exchange practices. Read more: tinyurl.com/2nczk8dt Photos: © European Union 2026 - Source : EP #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

🔊 The lived experiences of persons with disabilities must inform decisionmaking. We hear from Blandine Bouniol, Deputy Director for Advocacy and Institutional Relations at Humanity & Inclusion. Learn more about our ‘Voices of Millions campaign’ here: bit.ly/4svMm7X #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Read Blandine's story: Humanity & Inclusion (HI) works in over 60 countries to create a more inclusive world, where persons with disabilities and vulnerable populations can live in dignity and with their fundamental rights respected. We aim to remove barriers to their participation in all areas of society and make sure that no-one is left behind.

The core of our advocacy is centering the voices of persons with disabilities, as they are usually the most marginalised, and often excluded from aid and decision making. We shape our priorities and policy messages through their lived experiences, and translate them into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

We take this approach because we want policies to be grounded on realities, and believe that this process strengthens the effectiveness of humanitarian and development action.

Our advances are tangible. We played a key role in developing the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, which then led the UN to mandate that service delivery be non-discriminatory and inclusive.

Through sustained advocacy, we influenced the EU to adopt their disability marker, ensuring that all EU-funded humanitarian projects account for disability needs. This shift has improved dignity, autonomy, and access to essential services for millions.

Being part of EU networks, such as CONCORD, enables us to keep constant dialogue with EU institutions and present a unified voice. These networks also create opportunities to amplify the voices of affected individuals, such as when we brought Margaret Arach Orech, a Ugandan landmine survivor, to speak at the European Development Forum.

Without NGO input to EU policies, society would suffer from deeper exclusion and distrust in institutions and humanitarian actors. The shrinking of civic space would silence those in need and invisibilise vulnerable populations, posing a threat to democracy. Our commitment to “leaving no-one behind” makes decisions more critical, effective and inclusive.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · last mo.

How can we best allocate EU money to better the lives of the 450+ million people living across our Union? Yesterday, we were at the European Parliament discussing this and more: tinyurl.com/ycxyddj3 Photos: © European Union 2026 - Source : EP #EUCivilSociety #MFF

CSE President Gabriella Civico speaking at lectern with CSE banner behind.

MEP and Vice-President Nicolae Stefanuta speaking at lectern with CSE and European Parliament banner behind.

Panel discussion of 4 people, CSE and EP banners behind and two small tables with microphones in front.

Panel discussion with 5 people in focus. One in the middle is speaking. CSE and EP banners are placed behind and two small tables with microphones are in front.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🔎 What is the state of funding for civil society in the EU? Check data at a glimpse in our infographic below. Stay updated on ‘Voices of Millions’ on our website: bit.ly/3RjPEyk #EUCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🚨 Civil society to European leaders: deliver a budget that is up to the challenge. Ahead of the June European Council, we are launching an open letter calling for a strong EU budget for 2028–2034, backed by adequate new resources. Read the letter: bit.ly/4oDcUUK #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🌟On 12 June we held our Annual General Assembly. Thank you to all attendees for providing a space to share and discuss CSE’s latest activities, work programme and top priorities. Our members and us remain committed to supporting civil society through our work and mission. #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🤝On June 10, we held the event “Civil Society in Policy Making”, where representatives from national civil society organisations came together to share and learn about the current situation of civic space in their Member States. #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🌐 Yesterday, we co-organised the event “Civil Society in Policy Making: From the National to the European Level”. It facilitated exchanges between organisations working at Member State level and MEPs to show the vital role of civil society in strengthening a democratic Europe. #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🌱Air pollution does not care about borders. Today, we bring you a story from Kajsa Pira, Programme Director at the environmental organisation AirClim, in Sweden. Learn more about CSE’s 'Voices of Millions' campaign here: bit.ly/4tqscgh #VoicesOfMillions #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Read Kajsa's Story. AirClim is a Swedish organisation working on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These are issues that do not stop at national borders, which means that collaboration with other European organisations is the only logical approach.
We have achieved concrete policy changes that have positively impacted the lives of people at home and in Europe.

AirClim has been shaping the revision of the Air Quality Directive, accepted in 2024. As an expert organisation, we have provided analysis and expertise on emission measurements, modeling and health effects. Being a member of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has been really valuable for this process, since their presence in Brussels allowed for advocacy work on site.

Environmental legislation is largely implemented at EU level, which is reasonable. Air pollution does not know about borders, so reducing it only at national level would not be enough.

We believe our contributions to the new directive, leveraged by collaboration within our EU network, will translate into better health and improved living conditions both in Sweden and the rest of Europe.

We cannot imagine our work without an EU network, since international and especially European cooperation is at the heart of our actions. AirClim would hardly be able to carry out our advocacy efforts without European legislation.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

📬Our May 2026 newsletter is out! Find it here: bit.ly/43ifUfd #EUCivilSociety #Newsletter

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

✍️ Our President Gabriella Civico recently authored an opinion piece on the role of civil society in EU policymaking in Nonprofit. Read more here: bit.ly/3RWgiNY #EUCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions

Navy background with white text on top that reads 'Civil society has long been a partner in EU policymaking. We must ensure that it continues this way.' in quotation and attributed to Gabriella Civico, CSE President. There are turquoise speech bubbles near the text and on the bottom right, it says 'Read the full opinion piece at the link in caption.'

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 2mo ago

👥People with disabilities must be represented in EU decision-making. Today, ‘The Power of Many’ brings a story from Pierre Gyselinck, President of the Belgian Disability Forum. Learn more about our ‘Voices of Millions campaign’ here: bit.ly/4tqscgh #VoicesOfMillions #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Read Pierre's story. The Belgian Disability Forum (BDF) unites 18 organisations representing persons with disabilities across Belgium, and we’re also a member of the European Disability Forum (EDF).
It’s important for us to be able to represent persons with disabilities when decisions in the EU are being made. Many policies developed at the EU level have an impact at national level and vice-versa. EDF’s motto is also ours: nothing about us without us.

In 2009, BDF members pointed out an issue persons with disabilities face when travelling across the EU: there was no tool to acknowledge their disability. In fact, many couldn’t access the same support as nationals when abroad, such as access to transportation equipment, reduced museum tickets etc.
This is when the concept of the European Disability Card was born. With the help of EDF’s executive committee and secretariat, we managed to make this card a key priority in their action plan.

We met with Marianne Thyssen, who was then Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, and soon a pilot project with 8 member states began. This led to the Commission proposing a Directive which is currently being implemented. The first European Disability Cards will be distributed in June 2027!
Being active at EU level opens up many possibilities. If BDF could not be a member of an EU network, we wouldn’t be able to have an effect on European legislation. As a clear example, if the disability cards had been advocated for without EDF, it would’ve taken many years to reach any results.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 3mo ago

🚨Today, we are presenting our joint civil society contribution to the Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report 2026, focusing on civic space. Read here: bit.ly/4uX2MI9 #EUCivilSociety

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 3mo ago

💙 Today, we launch our ‘Power of Many’ series with a story from Brian Reyes, Plataforma del Voluntariado de España. Read more below 👇 Learn more about our ‘Voices of Millions campaign’ here: bit.ly/4tqscgh #VoicesOfMillions #ThePowerOfMany #EUCivilSociety

Image of man speaking at event with quote at the bottom right that says 'Part of the work we do in Spain is channeling European knowledge, information, and opportunities to local organisations and to the people.' To the left of this is his name, job title, and organisation.

The Spanish Volunteering Platform is an active member of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV). We decided to join this network because we are aware we are not alone, but form part of a global and interconnected reality in which different actors exchange information, knowledge and opportunities.

In many ways, our work has been shaped and has informed European policy. For instance, we have developed our VOL+ Programme, designed as a way to validate the skills that people acquire through volunteering. Our goal is to advocate for the impact of volunteering in developing professional competences and improving employability.

Belonging to CEV has supported us in designing this programme. Being part of the European ecosystem keeps VOL+ aligned with EU standards for validation and recognition. Connected to this is CEV’s Blueprint for European Volunteering 2030, which consolidates how volunteering contributes to personal and professional development, ideas that align with our validation system.

As part of this network, our Platform is also able to anticipate trends in European policies and ensure that what we do nationally remains connected to the European conversation. It positions us in a common path along with organisations working towards shared goals.

Thanks to these advances, Spanish volunteering organisations have been able to increase their local reputation and professionalism, and improve the conditions of volunteers. And of course, this creates clear benefits for society in general: an increase in solidarity, social engagement, civic participation, citizens’ awareness, and more.

If EU networks disappeared, the loss would be incommensurable, since limitations of time and budget would make it hard to advocate effectively. Working in networks is essential for our sector: it allows us to make the most of our resources and ensure meaningful participation without needing to be everywhere at once.

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 3mo ago

🔊 Discover everything about the launch event of Voices of Millions! On May 5th, we presented our campaign Voices of Millions, gathering civil society actors, EU representatives and media to open dialogue. Read all about it here: bit.ly/4dbR997 #EUCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 3mo ago

🎈 “Voices of Millions” has been launched! Today, the launch event of our campaign welcomed over 60 participants, who demonstrated their support to civil society and their commitment to amplifying the voices of millions. ‼️Stay tuned for new actions on soon! #EuCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions

Civil Society Europe @eucivilsociety.bsky.social · 3mo ago

🎉 It’s happening today! We are launching the “Voices of Millions” campaign today in Brussels, bringing civil society voices to the forefront. Stay tuned for updates! #EUCivilSociety #VoicesOfMillions