Civil Society Week 2026 sets the stage for the EESC to join the EU Civil Society Platform

The 2026 Civil Society Week organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded on Thursday 5 March with the achievement of an important milestone. The stage is now set for the EESC to take part in the Commission's Civil Society Platform and host its annual summit.

For the EESC, the end of this third event also signals the beginning of a new phase. After years of building partnerships and advocating alongside civil society organisations across Europe, the Committee is about to take on a central role in the Civil Society Platform, a key component of the EU's Civil Society Strategy. The EESC is also ready to host its annual summit, a key event which provides a structured space for dialogue on protecting fundamental rights and the rule of law and strengthening democratic participation. 

The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, commended the EESC on its work as a vital link between EU institutions and civil society, describing civil society organisations as 'the watchdog of our democracy'. He noted that the EESC is already participating in the Civil Society Platform's Steering Group, with the first workshop already having taken place.

Commissioner McGrath also reiterated the European Commission’s commitment to deepening cooperation with civil society organisations and the EESC by actively involving them in the development of the Civil Society Platform. 'We recognise how important civil society's work is because you are connected on the ground to the citizens through grassroots organisations. You are picking up threads of information and trends and issues and challenges often long before policymakers and politicians', he said. 

Nicolae Ștefănuță, Vice-President of the European Parliament, welcomed the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) event as a powerful tool for democracy. 'I am happy that the Commission reacted positively to the My Voice My Choice" initiative, affirming that 'the EU is a Union of values and not only a Union of money'. He called on the EU institutions to consider ways of supporting the ECI's organisers, who lack the necessary resources.

Concluding the Civil Society Week, Séamus Boland, EESC President, said: 'As this third Civil Society Week comes to a close, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. We created a living forum – a powerful demonstration of collaboration, commitment and shared responsibility. Europe’s successful democratic future depends on this work and I look forward to building on these efforts this year, in particular as we join the Civil Society Platform and its Steering Group and host the annual summit.'

Throughout the week, dynamic sessions, packed discussions and strong audience engagement illustrated the growing momentum of organised civil society in Europe. More than a conference, Civil Society Week once again proved to be a living laboratory of democratic participation — a space where cooperation, shared responsibility and collective commitment to Europe’s future were not just discussed but put into practice.

The insights and recommendations gathered during the Civil Society Week will contribute to the conclusions: Next steps for a democratic and resilient future – delivering together a Union of opportunities, security and resilience. They will be presented at the EESC plenary session on 18 March.