Strengthening EU values through the civil society platform

Civil society organisations across Europe are facing mounting legal, financial and political pressures that restrict freedom of association, expression and participation. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has long called for civil society to be given a permanent and structured role in EU policymaking. The creation of the EU Civil Society Platform, with the EESC directly involved in its governance and activities, is turning that objective into practice.

The Platform is a central component of the European Commission’s EU strategy for civil society, presented in November 2025. It is intended to establish regular dialogue between EU institutions and civil society organisations on fundamental rights, the rule of law and democratic participation, while helping organisations remain resilient and effective across the Union.

The EESC helped prepare the ground for this initiative through its consistent advocacy for meaningful and structured civil dialogue. In an opinion adopted in July 2025, the Committee set out the contribution it could make to the Platform, drawing on its institutional role in connecting civil society, facilitating dialogue and consultation and its extensive experience of participatory democracy.

The Committee’s contribution has now moved from recommendation to implementation. Civil Society Week 2026, organised by the EESC, marked an important step in establishing the Platform. The EESC has joined its Steering Group and will co-organise its annual summit, giving organised civil society a direct channel through which to contribute to the Platform’s development and activities. A first workshop has already taken place, signalling the transition from political commitment to practical cooperation.

The importance of this role has been recognised by the European Commission. European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath described the EESC as a crucial partner in empowering civil society and implementing the EU strategy. He also highlighted the role of civil society organisations as the “watchdog of our democracy”, able to identify challenges and threats before they reach policymakers.

Through its place in the Platform’s governance and its role in the annual summit, the EESC will help ensure that civil society perspectives inform EU action on democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. Its involvement provides a practical route for diverse organisations from across Europe to participate more meaningfully in EU policymaking.

Each year, the EESC produces almost 200 opinions to help align EU policies with real-world needs and support more inclusive policymaking. This is why we are pleased to co-organise the annual summit of the Civil Society Platform and bring our legitimacy and experience in participatory democracy to the entire process.
Marija Hanževački, EESC Vice-President for Communication