EU Strategy for Civil Society

An open civic space, with a vibrant civil society is at the core of our democracies. Civil society plays an essential role in our societies contributing to policymaking, partnering with governments to implement public policies, delivering social and community support and services, raising awareness about important social issues, and representing diverse groups in vulnerable situations. The contribution of civil society is critical to foster citizens’ engagement and democratic participation, as well as an inclusive public debate, including by actively involving young people. Civil society also plays an important role in the democratic checks and balances, helping monitor policy and decision-making and fostering transparency and accountability.

Operating at local, regional, national and international level – both within the EU and beyond – civil society helps promote and protect the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union (TEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter). Recognising its important role, the European Union’s founding Treaties set out that EU institutions should engage with civil society through open, transparent and regular dialogue and to conduct their work as openly as possible in order to ensure civil society’s inclusive and active participation.

Engagement with civil society is a cornerstone of EU policymaking. Various tools and processes at EU level enable civil society to present its views and be involved in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of EU legislation and policy, and the Commission has established structured civil society dialogue in many policy areas. Furthermore, civil society organisations (CSOs) provide advice and expertise by participating in the work of Commission’s expert groups and other relevant fora. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) also plays a key role in bringing the voice of organised civil society to the European level.

For this engagement to be effective, the EU has increasingly recognised that civil society needs an enabling, safe and supportive environment throughout the EU. This includes adequate protection for CSOs and human rights defenders (HRDs) who experience an overall shrinking civic space, and who face threats and attacks in relation to their work. Sustainable and transparent financial support is also essential for a thriving civil society and for ensuring that CSOs can operate independently.