Towards a European Civil Society Strategy

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Draft agenda

Thursday, 20 March, 9:30 – 11:00/11.30 

Facilitator: 

  • Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary general, European Civic Forum

Speakers:

  • Veronika Mora, Director, Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation and Co-President, European Civic Forum
  • Gabriella Civico, President, Civil Society Europe
  • Ingrid Bellander Todino, Head of Unit Fundamental rights policies, European Commission
  • Sergey Lagodinsky, MEP, Vice-President European Greens
  • Seamus Boland, President of  EESC Civil Society Organisations Group

Reporting in plenary:

  • Hanna Surmatz, Head of policy, Philea

Concept

Civil society, in all its diversity, helps people access and exercise their civil, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights. By embodying the collective aspirations and interests of our societies, civil society organisations empower people, often as volunteers, to actively participate in shaping laws and policies, fostering democratic and pluralistic societies. However, the environment for civil society to operate and act is shrinking across Europe due to restrictive laws, insufficient funding, legal harassment, physical attacks and reduced spaces for dialogue.

Over the past five years, the European Union has launched several initiatives to fight democratic backsliding and address some of the above-mentioned challenges. Progress has been made in protecting media freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists and fighting against strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs). Additionally, EU institutions have increasingly recognised that civic spaces and support for civil society are essential for democracy and the rule of law.

We envisage a European Union where civic space is strengthened and civil dialogue is valued and encouraged, so that we as civil society, including the philanthropy sector, can continue to exercise our vital role in achieving positive social outcomes and increased well-being for all. This expert policy panel provides an opportunity to talk with EU institutions on concrete steps for the next five years in order to better recognise, protect, support and engage with civil society at all levels across Europe.

 

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