Newsletter Liaison Group

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Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks March 2025

1. Editorial

2. News from the CSO Members of the Liaison Group

3. Past events

4. News from the EESC

5. Past events

6. EESC Plenary Session

7. Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

8. Citizens' Engagement Platform

9. Link to our members' newsletters

Editorial

Dear Members and Friends of the Liaison Group,

The first three months of 2025 have been both challenging and promising for the EESC Liaison Group (LG) and for civil society organisations (CSOs) across Europe.

It is no secret that CSOs throughout the EU are facing icy winds. Many are grappling with legal and financial restrictions, while others are experiencing direct intimidation. These threats are not abstract - they are real, growing, and now emerging even more strongly from within some EU institutions.

That is why, in February, the EESC sounded the alarm, organising a plenary debate to defend civil society as the backbone of our democratic societies. Because one thing is clear: without a strong, independent, and well-resourced civil society, citizens lose their voice, and democratic accountability deteriorates. The equation is simple: protecting civil society means safeguarding democracy.

As European civil society networks, we welcome the fact that the EESC is so strongly advocating for greater and more predictable support, particularly in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This support is crucial to ensuring that we, as CSOs, can continue our vital activities and resist efforts to delegitimise or restrict our access to essential resources.

The recent Civil Society Week 2025 was another milestone in our collective efforts, bringing together more than 800 participants in a vibrant civil society hub. I had the pleasure to present the outcome - a set of forward-looking recommendations Next steps for more cohesive societies, last week at the EESC plenary debate with Commissioner McGrath. With the Commissioner recognising the crucial role of CSOs in fostering social cohesion and empowering citizens, while also stressing the need for an enabling environment that allows us to do our work effectively, the adoption of a Civil Society Strategy and the creation of a Civil Society Platform will be key steps in this direction. We urge the European Commission to ensure that also European-level civil society networks are involved in this process.

Now is the time for decisive action. The EU has the tools, the influence, and the responsibility to act— and must do so now! Civil society is not a problem to be managed but a vital partner in building a resilient, democratic, and just Europe. Together, we can ensure that civil society remains strong, vibrant, and central to Europe’s democratic future.

Brikena Xhomaqi
Co-chair of the Liaison Group

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

Civil Society Week 2025 – A vibrant civil society hub

The EESC's Civil Society Week on Strengthening cohesion and participation in polarised societies (17–20 March) brought together more than 800 participants, including EU policymakers, civil society representatives and young people from across Europe. Through 14 sessions, six of which were led by European networks of the EESC Liaison Group, we engaged in critical debates, exchanged best practices, and explored solutions to foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic engagement in a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. This Week showcased the power, passion and creativity of civil society. Its outcomes are captured in a comprehensive set of actionable steps and key demands - the Next Steps for more Cohesive Societies.

To relive the Week, you can watch the session recordings and wrap up video, read the press releases, and browse the photo gallery on the event page.

ECAS: Save the Date – State of the Union Citizens’ Rights 2025 Conference, 15 April 2025

We are thrilled to announce that the State of the Union Citizens’ Rights 2025 Conference, hosted by ECAS, will be held on 15 April 2025, at the BIP Meeting Centre in Brussels. As ECAS’s flagship annual event, this conference brings together civil society, decision-makers and academics to discuss key EU citizenship issues. This year, the focus will be on ensuring citizens’ rights to free movement and a just transition for all. Registrations are now open.

Image © ECAS

EASPD: Join EASPD in Gandia for our conference on inclusive arts, sports and leisure! 15-16 May 2025

On 15-16 May, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) is heading to Gandia, Spain to discuss access to arts, culture, leisure and sports for people with disabilities. We will explore how a culture of inclusion must be created to implement Article 30 of the UN's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, empowering people with disabilities to enjoy a fulfilling social life and connect with their community. We have organised 24 interactive workshops covering diverse topics, from inclusive rugby to accessible travel, to showcase how service providers and local communities can work together to ensure that participation in leisure and cultural life has no barriers. Read more here.

Image © Fundació Espurna/espurna.org

CEV: European Volunteering Ambassadors 2025

Volunteers Krzysztof Kowalski, Katarzyna Madera, Małgorzata Cisek-Kozieł and Beata Ptasińska, from Poland, will promote the essential contribution of volunteers to the future of Europe, making a special connection with the Polish Presidency of the EU in the first part of 2025. Check out their video presentation and find more information here.

Image © Centre for European Volunteering (CEV)/cev.be

LLLP: Anchor The Union of Skills – Are we honouring Jacques Delors’ vision on lifelong learning?

The Lifelong Learning Platform stands ready to help achieve Jacques Delors’ ambitious goal of improving education and training through lifelong learning. How does this view relate to the Union of Skills? Read all the details in LLLP’s statement.

LLLP: The 3rd edition of the Feasibility Study on National Lifelong Learning Platforms is out!

Every seven years, the Lifelong Learning Platform publishes a Feasibility Study on National Lifelong Learning Platforms. The 2025 edition is the result of the analysis of a survey focused on Hungary, Finland, Poland, Spain and Slovenia. Read the results of the study.

ACE: Focus on the Decarbonising Architecture project

Architecture plays a vital role in reducing Europe’s carbon footprint. To support this, COAC and AUS, in collaboration with the CSCAE and ACE, are promoting the Decarbonising Architecture project. This initiative aims to facilitate the energy transition in architecture. The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the New European Bauhaus are the key drivers of the paradigm shift in the sector. This website offers many resources to keep you updated on the technical and regulatory developments that will transform the profession in the coming years. Don’t miss out! Read more here.

Image © COAC

Eurochild: What Makes a Winning Proposal? Lessons from the Daphne-CHILD Project

Eurochild and Terre des Hommes are running a three-year programme to help grassroots organisations in Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain and Ukraine tackle violence against children. In this article, they share key insights from evaluating 350 expressions of interest and 108 full proposals to support organisations in improving future proposals. Find out more on their website.

Image © Eurochild

COFACE: New factsheet on the childcare gap in the European Union, published by the European Observatory on Family Policy

The ‘childcare gap’ refers to a critical period following the birth of a child, during which new parents have exhausted their well-paid parental leave but have not yet become eligible to enrol their child in state-supported full-time formal daycare. Unable to access either well-paid leave or an affordable full-time facility, families are forced to rely on their own resources. This factsheet provides an overview of the current situation across the European Union, with a particular focus on the duration of the coverage gap in different countries, the specific features of daycare entitlements and the associated parental costs. View the factsheet here.

Image © COFACE

Past events

EMI: Workshop on ‘Crafting a new European social contract together’, 10 March 2025

European Movement International organised a workshop entitled ‘Crafting a new European social contract together’ as part of the EXPRESS2 Horizon Europe project. This event brought together Civil Society Organisations and EU policymakers to discuss and provide early feedback on a draft European social contract aimed at fostering a more democratic, inclusive and sustainable Europe. Find out more HERE.

News from the EESC

Conference: Making Social Dialogue Work for Improved Quality of Life and Work in the Western Balkan Region, Tirana/Albania, 3 April 2025

The European Training Foundation (ETF), the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) are jointly organising an event on social dialogue in the Western Balkans. This initiative, led by the EESC President and the directors of the two agencies, will focus on the quality of life and work, youth, and the exchange of experiences on social dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans. Read more here.

Conference: Launch of the EAPN 2024 Poverty Watch Report, 8 April 2025

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) will launch its latest Poverty Watch Report at an event co-organised by the EAPN and the EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group. This is an in-person event that will take place at the EESC in Brussels and be webstreamed. Prior registration is required. Please register by 31 March.

Online public debate: The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework – What is important for organised civil society, 15 April 2025

The next multiannual EU Budget plan must give the Union the financial means it needs to fulfil its political priorities, including but not limited to those concerning decarbonisation, digitalisation, demographics, defence, research, migration, health, the European Pillar of Social Rights, cohesion and economic competitiveness. The EESC is organising a high-level debate on the Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, putting the focus notably on what is important for organised civil society. The event will be webstreamed (original, EN, FR), no registration is needed and participation is free of charge. Read more here.

Joint public hearing: SOC/822 – New Action Plan on EPSR implementation and SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy, 16 April 2025

This joint public hearing is being organised as part of preparations for two related opinions. Firstly, it will gather insights from organised civil society on progress with, and the challenges of, implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), and will involve collecting proposals for the upcoming new EPSR Action Plan. Secondly, the hearing will also discuss the forthcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, including the role of the social partners and other civil society organisations in shaping policies and measures to combat poverty and social exclusion within the EPSR framework. Read more here.

Past EESC events

Hearing: Roma participation in the local decision-making process, 20 March 2025

Promoting the Roma community's political participation at the local level and empowering them to become active members of society are two main aspects of the current EU Roma strategic framework. The hearing discussed the obstacles faced by the Roma community which hinder them from becoming active citizens, and the changes that are needed. It also looked at good practices from municipalities where actions are being taken to enhance the Roma community's representation and inclusion. Read more here.

Your Europe, Your Say! 2025, 13-14 March 2025

The EESC brought together nearly 100 young participants and 37 teachers from EU Member States, candidate countries and the UK for its annual Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) event. This year, YEYS focused on the role of young people in collectively shaping a resilient future. It aimed to equip them to engage in civic action and continue to contribute to participatory democracy activities in their communities and beyond. Read more here.

Seminar: Housing for all – Services of General interest for affordable and accessible housing, Warsaw/Poland, 6 March 2025

All European residents should have the opportunity to access decent, affordable and accessible housing. This is why the EESC Permanent Group on Services of General Interest met in Warsaw on 6 March 2025 at a seminar during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, co-organized by the EAPN Poland, and discussed the role of quality services of general interest in meeting needs in the field of housing. Read more here.

Conference: Turn up the volume for civil society! Key actions for the EU's new political cycle, 3 March 2025

The conference built on the work of the Civil Society Organisations' Group (CSO Group) for strengthening civil society and democracy, with the aim of setting out priority actions for the EU's recently started political cycle 2024-2029. The event brought together approximately 120 participants, including members of the CSO Group and civil society organisations at European and national level. Discussions centred on two topics: Funding civil society organisations, and reinforcing effective and sustainable civil dialogue. Read more here.

EESC Plenary Session, 26-27 March 2025

The plenary session in March took place in in-person form.

The following debates took place:

Debate about De-polarising societies – Key take-aways of Civil Society Week 2025, with Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Brikena Xhomaqi, Co-chair of the Liaison Group, and Kristýna Bulvasová, Youth representative (YEYS)
Debate about New Vision on Agriculture and Food, with Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
Presentation of the European Commission's Work Programme by Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, and for Implementation and Simplification

Amongst others the following resolution and opinions were adopted: Anchor

Crises and crisis phenomena in modern Europe and civil society (SOC/812)
Including persons with disabilities in the development of new technologies and AI – possibilities, challenges, risks and opportunities (SOC/816)
Ex-post Evaluation of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the 2014-2020 programming period (SOC/789)
Health and safety at work – current and future challenges in light of traditional and new technologies, with a focus on AI (SOC/818)
Working time, the efficiency of the economy, and the well-being of workers (including in the context of digital change and work automation): a legal and comparative analysis of the situation in the EU Member States (SOC/819)
Access to social welfare for the self-employed – analysis, limitations and scope for improvement (SOC/815)
Civil society's vision for a European Oceans Pact (NAT/944)
New rules on cross-border enforcement against unfair trading practices (NAT/945)
Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for 2026-2027 (TEN/852)
Competitiveness and economic security – how should EU trade policy contribute to the objectives of the Draghi report? (REX/594)
Moldova Growth Plan (REX/595)
Action Plan for enhancing cooperation between civil society organisations in the European Union and Kazakhstan, in the framework of the implementation of the New Strategy on Central Asia and of the Global Gateway (REX/587)
Ex-post evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund 2014-2020 (ECO/638)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

Debriefing: #ECIDay2025

The 14th edition of the EESC’s annual European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Day was held just a few days ago, on Tuesday 18 March, and saw the participation of numerous ECI organisers and civil society stakeholders, as well as high-level representatives of EU institutions. Did you miss the event, or would you like to revisit it? Consult the Civil Society Week / ECI Day 2025 webpage to explore the conference outcomes, detailed session reports, a photo gallery, recordings and the wrap-up video.

ECI on Cohesion policy becomes the 11th valid initiative

The European citizens’ initiative on ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ gathered 1 269 351 validated signatures from EU citizens and met the required thresholds in 8 countries, thus becoming the 11th valid initiative submitted to the Commission (4/3/2025). The initiative advocates for the EU’s cohesion policy to pay special attention to regions with characteristics that are different from those of the surrounding regions. The Commission has until 4 September 2025 to provide its official response.

Image © Violet Sun, Shutterstock

Citizens' Engagement Platform

European Commission: "Have Your Say"

As part of its "Better Regulation" agenda, the Commission is consulting a broad range of organisations, and the general public, with such outreach tools as "Have Your Say". In actively collecting and analysing online feedback, the Commission ensures that EU initiatives are responsive and proportional to current challenges – such as the consultations on: