Registrations are now open for the third edition of Civil Society Week, taking place from 2 to 5 March 2026 at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels, under the title People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!.

As the institutional house of organised civil society, the EESC will once again bring together civil society organisations, citizens, EU institutions, national economic and social councils and stakeholders from across Europe, including candidate countries, for four days of exchange, reflection and cooperation.

The third edition of Civil Society Week will focus on tackling poverty, reducing social exclusion, involving citizens and bridging divides across regions and generations to rebuild trust and foster lasting social cohesion. In this context, advancing diversity, civic engagement, equality and inclusion are key pathways to renewing Europe’s social and democratic promise for future generations.

Civil Society Week 2026 will offer a timely space to collectively reflect on these challenges considering Europe’s evolving political, social and economic landscape.

The programme will feature a series of thematic panels led by the EESC’s Liaison Group with European civil society networks. Among other things, they will touch upon issues topping European public debates such as affordable housing, education, the European Democracy Shield, funding civic space and democratic and media resilience.

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Day will take place on 3 March, highlighting participatory democracy and citizens’ involvement in EU policymaking. Speakers will include organisers of ECIs, including My Voice, My Choice; Stop Destroying Video Games; Demand the full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in view of Israel’s violations of human rights; Food is a Human Right for All! Guaranteeing healthy, just and sustainable food systems.

The week will also include a dedicated session to be held by EU national economic and social councils on 2 March, as well as a screening on 4 March of the film Deaf (Sorda), nominated for the LUX Audience Award. The event will conclude on 5 March with a reception and conversation to mark International Women’s Day.

Speakers include EESC and Committee of the Regions members, MEPs, representatives of the European Commission, the European Ombudsman, prominent researchers, civil society activists and representatives of civil society organisations from across Europe.

We would love it if you could join us! Secure your spot and register now. You can follow all updates to the programme via the event webpage.