As the world celebrates the International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026), experts from across Europe gathered at an EESC hearing to underline the vital contribution that volunteers make to building resilient, prepared and cohesive societies. The hearing, organised as part of the EESC's work on the forthcoming opinion on the role of volunteering for European preparedness, explored how volunteering strengthens communities before, during and after crises.
Europe is facing a pivotal moment. Social and economic inequalities, rapid technological change, anti-democratic forces and geopolitical instability are straining the foundations of the European project.
With democracy and civic space under mounting pressure, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and free media face growing constraints - from restrictive laws and disinformation campaigns to underfunding and public distrust. Deepening polarisation and eroding trust in institutions further undermine Europe’s democratic model.
Volunteers – citizens building the future of Europe
In this issue:
Members' on the role and future of volunteering in Europe
Guest articles by Lejla Šehić Relić, President of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), and Mary Cunningham, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland
Interview with co-rapporteur Ody Neisingh on the EESC opinion "SOC/726 Combatting violence against women"
Civil Society Organisations' Bulletin - September 2022
In order to examine and reaffirm the societal contribution of volunteers, on 7 July 2022, the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee will host a conference entitled Volunteers – citizens building the future of Europe, in Gdańsk, Poland. This conference is a part of a three-day mission to Gdańsk - the European Capital of Volunteering 2022.
The EU as a driver of shared prosperity – civil society for an economy that works for people & the planet
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Location
HYBRID EVENT • EESC
Brussels
Belgium
While Europe and its societies are still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the Conference on the Future of Europe in its closing stages, the EESC will be holding its annual Civil Society Days in March 2022.
This report examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the work of civil society organisations (CSOs) across Europe. It also focuses on how solutions implemented in individual EU Member States have impacted CSOs' ability to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms.
