Supporting and funding CSOs   

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Draft agenda

Moderator: Hanna Surmatz, Philea

Speakers:                    

  • Cristian Pirvulescu, EESC member (FRRL Group)
  • David Sventek, EESC member (ECO section)
  • Anna Striethorst  - EEA Grants
  • Paola  Cervo  – DG Just, European Commission
  • Sabine Saliba, Secretary General of Eurochild

With a statement by Patrizia Heidegger, Deputy Secretary General, European Environmental Bureau

Concept

Civil society space, including funding for civil society organisations (CSOs), is facing growing challenges, particularly shrinking government support, in Europe as elsewhere.   At the same time, key philanthropic players are strategically reviewing how to support this space in Europe. Many social CSOs and social economy organisations play a critical role in delivering services of general interest, including social, health, education and vocational training services, and there is a need to facilitate policy development and capacity-building. However, recent challenges to the way that CSOs use EU funds have further complicated their ability to operate effectively, invest in innovative service models and prepare themselves for the dual digital and green transitions, as well as perform their dual role as advocacy bodies and service providers. Addressing these issues is vital to ensure that civil society remains a strong, independent force for social change in Europe.

Are EU state aid rules fit for purpose? How can civil society in Europe be best supported by public and philanthropic players and what kind of policy is needed to allow support, capacity-building and funding for civil society and the social economy, also from philanthropic sources? Join key public and philanthropic funding players in this area, as well as CSO representatives, to explore what the current and future challenges and prospects actually are, also with a view to the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF). How can we ensure that young people, disadvantaged groups and CSOs are in a position to provide meaningful input into this debate?

Work organisation