By the EESC Diversity Europe Group
 

On 12 March, at its high-level conference on "Civil Society Organisations during and after COVID-19: what challenges and what future?", the Diversity Europe Group launched a new study entitled "The response of civil society organisations to face the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictive measures adopted in Europe"

The EESC commissioned this study at the request of the Diversity Europe Group. Its contributions are twofold: firstly, the study sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on a variety of civil society organisations (CSOs) and their activities across Europe.

Secondly, it analyses and showcases the numerous initiatives taken by CSOs to assist local communities and vulnerable groups in dealing with the pandemic. To collect this data, the authors applied a mixed method combining desk-based research and an in-depth online survey.

The study shows that CSOs have been and continue to be at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential services and defending the rights of the most vulnerable sections of society. At the same time, it highlights that CSOs have themselves faced profound challenges that may harm their ability to continue playing their role.

On this basis, the authors highlight key topics for the future of CSOs, such as the lack of sustainable funding, legal frameworks and adequate resources and skillsets. These issues will require future reflection and bold political decisions to ensure that CSOs' capacities are maintained and strengthened in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase.

The full study and executive summary are available online. The publication also comes with a "catalogue of good practices", a collection of the manifold successful initiatives implemented by CSOs in response to the pandemic. A press release on the related Diversity Europe Group conference is available on the EESC website. (jk)