Civil Society Europe
June - July 2025 Newsletter
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Welcome to our June - July 2025 newsletter! Read on to find out about our stance on the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework, the launch of our Civil Society State of the Union 2025 report, our reaction to the European Parliament working group on NGO funding, and much more.
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Launch of the Civil Society State of the Union 2025 Report
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On July 3rd, CSE launched our ‘Civil Society State of the Union 2025’ report in the European Parliament!
With introductions from Gabriella Civico, CSE President and Katarina Barley, MEP (S&D), the event brought together key figures from civil society and the EU institutions, in what proved to be a constructive launch.
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Following the presentation of the report, a panel discussion took place, which was composed of MEPs Katarina Barley (S&D), Nicolae Ștefănuță (Greens/EFA), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Marc Angel (S&D), and Miron Podgorean, Member of Cabinet to Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu.
Participants, many of whom were representatives of civil society, exchanged passionately with the panel, who brought their institutional knowledge and perspective. The event was then closed with inspiring words from Nicolae Ștefănuță, followed by Gabriella Civico.
Read our article about the event for more, and read the full report here.
Photographer: Laurie DIEFFEMBACQ / © European Union 2025 – Source : EP
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Civil Society Europe’s Reaction to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034: Progress for Some, Setbacks for Others
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The proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the 7-year EU budget, for 2028 – 2034 is out. How does it hold up for civil society?
In our reaction to the MFF, we find that we remain concerned by the current proposal, both in its size and structure. In a time when Europe is confronted with rising challenges, a slightly increased, renationalised budget which deprioritises social cohesion is not the way forward.
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In the context of attacks on civic space at national and EU level, we support the increase of support to civil society through the AgoraEU programme. However, we are highly concerned by the lack of structures to involve civil society in the development and management of the programmes, and by the apparent widespread disappearance of structural support to EU-wide civil society networks through operating grants.
Read more on our website.
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Transparency or NGO Hunt? Our Reaction to the European Parliament Working Group on NGO Funding
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On June 19th, the Conference of Presidents made the decision to establish a working group in the European Parliament to scrutinize NGO funding. We condemn the continuation of these baseless attacks on civil society, which further risks shrinking civic space even more at a time when citizens’ voices deserve more representation at EU level.
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The scrutiny civil society will face due to this Committee will affect organisations’ ability to carry out their missions. It is also aimed at restricting the possibility for citizens through their representative organizations to participate in public policy making in line with Treaty obligations, as well as support the European Parliament to act as checks and balances to the rule of law, including on the monitoring of funding. We call on democratic forces in the Parliament from all political groups to stand against this working group entirely, and be on the side of citizens. Read the press release here. |
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Care Across Borders – The Added Value of the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive
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The non-profit sector is an essential yet commonly overlooked part of the EU economy.
Despite their major impact, obstacles still exist for non-profits to operate across borders within the EU. Currently, non-profits only exist within the Member State they were founded in, and face numerous challenges when trying to operate within other Member States.
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This is where the proposed European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive comes in. This necessary Directive would allow non-profit organisations with members across Europe to be recognised and operate in all Member States.
Learn more about the added value of ECBAs: read our paper here.
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Our Statement on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme in the Next EU Budget
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The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is built to empower civil society in upholding fundamental rights and advancing the EU’s core values at the grassroots level. Though limited in budget, its impact is significant. It equips organisations to engage with communities, support marginalised groups, defend the rule of law, and strengthen democratic participation.
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Common Civil Society Requests for Operating Grants (OGs)
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Adequate funding to civil society is essential for democratic governance, the protection of human rights, and the inclusion of underrepresented groups. Operating grants (OGs) are a key method that allows civil society to carry out their missions. Through long-term, structured funding, OGs enable CSOs to monitor policy, engage in civic participation, and guarantee the practical implementation of EU values such as fundamental rights, equality, and rule of law.
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This is why CSE and collaborators in our working group on funding have developed this document. In it, we outline the importance of these grants, the current challenges faced by CSOs in relation to them, and recommendations for improving them in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Read our common requests here. |
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CSE Hosts Annual General Assembly and Elects New Board
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On June 19th, CSE held our Annual General Assembly. Taking place in-person and online, the meeting brought together nearly all of CSE’s 24 member organisations to gain insight into the current state and future ambitions of the organisation. CSE members adopted the activity report and accounts for 2024, and also approved the nomination of CSE’s external auditor. Important discussions on the Civil Society Strategy took place as CSE models our position. CSE members also elected a new CSE Board for the June 2025 to June 2027 mandate, which we’re excited to welcome.
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Furthermore, an open-session on the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive took place. The session invited Amaryllis Verhoeven, Head of Unit from DG GROW of the European Commission and Hanna Surmatz, Head of Policy at Philanthropy Europe Association (PHILEA) to provide their input on the positive impacts ECBA can have regarding the single market. Participants then shared their perspectives in what was an engaging and thoughtful discussion.
We thank all who joined us for another constructive general assembly.
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Don't Miss Out! Nominate Now for the Civil Dialogue Award
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The deadline for nominations for CSE’s first ever ‘Civil Dialogue Award’ is August 1st. Don't miss out, nominate now!
The Civil Dialogue Award is focused on good practices and initiatives of meaningful involvement of civil society organisations in EU policy making that took place in the past 3 years (from 2022 onwards).
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The initiatives considered should be carried out by directorates, sections, units, committees of the EU Institutions, EU Agencies, EU advisory and consultative bodies, inter-institutional bodies, and European political groups. Learn more and nominate here. |
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Your Experience Matters! Help Shape the Future of Quality in the European Third Sector
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CSE and CoQuality are inviting small and medium-sized Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) to take part in a European-wide survey on Quality Management- and we’d love your help!
As the Third Sector faces growing pressures and expectations, understanding how TSOs can improve quality, demonstrate value, and strengthen impact is more important than ever.
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As such, CoQuality has partnered with The Learning Lab to undertake the study “Challenges and differences in quality in third sector organisations at European level”. This survey is part of the CoQuality initiative, aiming to identify what drives effective Quality Management in TSOs, what barriers exist, and what support is needed.
Practical details
- For TSOs with fewer than 250 staff
- Takes just 8–10 minutes
- Available in English, Spanish, and French
- Fully anonymous and GDPR-compliant
The survey can be found here. |
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