European Economic
and Social Committee
CURRENT AFFAIRS: Civil Society at the Heart of Europe: Reflections from Civil Society Week 2026
The third edition of the Civil Society Week has just drawn to a close, and what an extraordinary four days it has been. Brussels welcomed participants from across Europe and beyond, bringing together grassroots activists, social partners, volunteers, and institutional leaders under one shared ambition: shaping a future rooted in people, democracy, and resilience.
This year’s edition explored an impressive breadth of themes. From tackling poverty and social exclusion to confronting the affordable housing crisis and safeguarding civic space, all themes that have an impact on everyday life. We examined how Europe can truly become a Union of opportunities, security, and resilience for everybody.
The diversity and calibre of speakers reflected the importance of this moment. European Commissioners, European Parliament Vice-Presidents and high-level representatives from EU institutions listened and took note of what civil society leaders and young people have to say.
A recurring message throughout the week was clear: organised civil society is not peripheral to democracy—it is part of its core infrastructure. At a time when more than one in five people in the EU remain at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and young Europeans face housing insecurity, climate anxiety and economic uncertainty while the shadow of war covers Europe’s border, CSOs and social partners are often the first to respond and the last to give up. Encouragingly, young people continue to express confidence in Europe’s future. That optimism is both inspiring and demanding, as it calls for tangible results.
We also confronted uncomfortable truths about shrinking civic space and mounting pressures on organisations defending fundamental rights. Protecting them means protecting our values and our democracy, which allow our economy to thrive and our social model to be sustainable.
Heartfelt thanks to EESC members, participants, speakers, and especially to the dedicated EESC staff whose tireless work made this week possible and successful.
Séamus BOLAND (Ireland)
President, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group
Chief Executive Officer, Irish Rural Link
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