Newsletter Liaison Group

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Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks February 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 of the Liaison Group,

I am writing to you following a week of very important discussions at the EESC, where civil society’s role in democracy, governance, and technological change has been at the heart of our debates. In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, your voices are more important than ever in shaping policies that protect fundamental rights, strengthen democratic participation, and ensure social justice.

Recently, I had the opportunity to represent the EESC at the AI Summit in Paris, where global leaders and experts gathered to discuss the societal and economic implications of artificial intelligence. Our discussions underscored the need for a human-centric and responsible approach to AI – one that not only fosters innovation but also upholds workers’ rights, democratic integrity and inclusivity. AI is already reshaping our societies and labour markets, bringing both immense opportunities and significant challenges. It is imperative that civil society plays a key role in shaping the governance of AI to ensure that it serves all citizens and not just the interests of a few.

At the same time, recent developments in the United States, and particularly cuts to USAID programmes, have raised serious concerns about the sustainability of funding for civil society players in Europe and beyond. We are already witnessing the direct consequences of this, especially for our candidate countries, where CSOs are struggling to maintain their activities. This highlights the urgent need for the EU to step up and reinforce its commitment to civil society funding, ensuring that democracy and fundamental rights remain protected despite shifting global priorities.

These concerns were at the core of our EESC plenary session last week, where we held a dedicated debate on The EU and civil society: strengthening democracy and participation. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Liaison Group members who participated as speakers in this debate. Your contributions have been instrumental in advocating for stronger and more predictable support for civil society organisations across Europe.

Looking ahead, I am pleased that the preparations for our second Civil Society Week with the timely title Strengthening cohesion and participation in polarised societies are in full swing. I look forward to engaging in lively debates with all of you!

Thank you once again for your dedication and invaluable contributions to the work of the Liaison Group. I am eager to continue our work towards a more resilient and inclusive European Union.

Best wishes,

Oliver Röpke

President of the EESC

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

EESC Civil Society Week 2025 – Join us! 17-20 March, EESC, Brussels

From 17 to 20 March, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will host the second edition of Civil Society Week, this time focusing on Strengthening cohesion and participation in polarised societies. Together with experts, EU policymakers, and civil society across Europe and beyond, we will tackle pressing challenges of our time, providing a unique platform to engage in critical discussions, sharing best practices, and collaborating on practical solutions. The Week will include topical panel discussions and workshops led by the EESC Liaison Group, the ECI Day, and the EESC Civil Society Prize award ceremony. A networking village and two networking evenings will ensure plenty of opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful collaborations in an engaging and informal setting. Check out the programme, follow us on social media and register here!

LLLP: Save your spot for the Lifelong Learning Lab 2025! 27 February – 20 March 2025

The Lifelong Learning Lab goes digital! The 2025 edition will feature four distinct training courses for national stakeholders in education and training, every Thursday, from 27 February until 20 March. Find out more about the training courses and sign up!

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

European Movement International is organising a workshop entitled ‘Crafting a new European social contract together’ as part of the EXPRESS2 Horizon Europe project. This event will bring 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. The workshop will take place in person at Mundo Madou in Brussels on 10 March 2025, from 09:00 to 17:00 CET. Find out more and register HERE.

Image © Express2

ECAS: Open call for proposals: Grant-making to ECAS members in the EU, deadline: 15 March 2025

Are you an ECAS member based in the EU? This opportunity is tailored for you! Submit your application now:

Lot 1: Focuses on tackling disinformation and strengthening CSOs’ resilience

Lot 2: Aims to ensure a digital transformation that leaves no one behind

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage: Call for proposals: Grant-making to ECAS members in the EU – 2025. Deadline: 15 March 2025.

Image © ECAS

CEV: Call for EVCapital 2027, deadline: 6 June 2025

The call for candidates for the EVCapital 2027 competition is now open, with a deadline of 6 June 2025. Click here for the call and application form with the NEW opportunities for impact measurement, and here to discover more about the European Volunteering Capital Candidates Community (EVCCC).

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

SOLIDAR: Building a global just transition narrative: Challenges and approaches to turn a Global North concept into a common agenda

SOLIDAR’s latest publication ‘Building a Global Just Transition Narrative: Challenges and Approaches to turn a Global North concept into a Common Agenda’ puts forward a narrative for a just transition. This narrative presents a shared vision that is the result of collaboration with members and partners in the Global South. It aims to challenge conceptualisations of a just transition that include leaning on Global South resources or economic growth models that only serve to exacerbate ongoing crises. To make the just transition truly equitable, voices from the Global South must be heard and should take centre stage. Read more here.

Image © SOLIDAR

SOLIDAR: DRAGHI report – Is the future of Europe all about competitiveness? SOLIDAR sees more social justice in it

SOLIDAR has published a briefing paper in response to the long-awaited and much-talked-about report by Mario Draghi, ‘EU competitiveness: Looking ahead’. While the report positions competitiveness as a central tenet of the EU’s political and policy direction for the next 5 years, SOLIDAR poses the question: what is the role of Social Europe in this vision? Social justice and sustainability must take centre stage in this vision, as this is what would make the EU a truly competitive region and a leader in the just transition, while fully respecting our founding values and fundamental rights. Read more here.

Image © SOLIDAR

AGE: EU Steps Back on Equality Protection: Withdrawal of Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive

AGE Platform Europe is deeply disappointed and concerned about this decision, which represents a significant step back in the fight against discrimination, including on the grounds of age, and the protection of older people’s rights. Read more here.

Free photo – No copyright

Eurochild: The situation of children in Europe

This episode of the Eurochild Podcast explores how governments and the EU prioritise (or overlook) child rights, covering issues such as poverty, mental health, digital safety and climate change – along with the challenges and solutions. Read more here.

Image © Eurochild

Eurochild: Strengthening guardianship: Launch of GUIDE National Manuals and Service Provider Maps

Discover the #GUIDEforGuardians National Manuals & Service Provider Maps to empower guardians and professionals across Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, Italy and Poland. These resources are essential for supporting unaccompanied children, including those with disabilities. Read more here.

Image © Pexel

YES Forum: Better rural NEETs’ social inclusion in the EU and the UK

The article, written by the YES Forum and the Together Trust, explores European and British policies to improve the social inclusion of young people that are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and looks at civil society organisations' initiatives to tackle the issue. It also sets out examples of good practice, such as the Back on Track project. Read more here.

Image © YES Forum

ACE: Discover the ACE HUB Mobile App – the must-have platform for architects in Europe!

The Architects’ Council of Europe presents ACE HUB, the ultimate app tailored for architects across Europe. Stay connected, expand your professional network, access valuable insights and stay informed about the latest architectural events — all in one place! Read more here.

Image © ACE

Past events

CAE: Insights from the Cultural Deal for Europe Policy Conversation 2025, 4 February 2025

On 4 February 2025, in Brussels, civil society – Culture Action Europe, the European Cultural Foundation and Europa Nostra – led the largest cultural policy conversation of the year, advocating a Cultural Deal for Europe to prioritise culture in EU policies, establish a strong cultural strategy and allocate 2% of EU funding to culture. The recognition of culture should reach beyond the cultural sector and be hardwired into the Commission’s flagship policies. Culture is where democracy is attacked first – so it must be where the EU’s resistance begins. Read more here.

COFACE: EU Policy Webinar on the implementation of the European Care Strategy, 4 February 2025

COFACE and partners held a discussion on the European Care Strategy on 4 February. This EU policy webinar brought together speakers from academia, EU institutions and committees, and participants from different fields and backgrounds to discuss tools for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Care Strategy. They focused on reforms both in early childhood education and care and long-term care, and the impact of these sectors on family resilience. Programme here: EU Policy Webinar on the implementation of the European Care Strategy | COFACE Families Europe

UIPI: Online workshop on Bridging perspectives: a dialogue between private providers and students on housing needs and expectations, 27 January 2025

The UIPI held an online workshop on 27 January to address the pressing issues of improving the affordability, availability, and sustainability of housing, while fostering dialogue between students and landlords. Bridging perspectives: a dialogue between private providers and students on housing needs and expectations focused on understanding the challenges and constraints faced by both tenants and landlords, alongside their needs and expectations. By bringing together key stakeholders from the private student accommodation sector and students themselves, the discussion aimed to identify common priorities and challenges, and create collaboration strategies to tackle these challenges, while enhancing trust and communication between the parties involved, through the implementation of the principles of the New European Bauhaus. Read more here.

News from the EESC

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

The conference will build 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 will bring together approximately 120 participants, including members of the CSO Group and civil society organisations at European and national level. Discussions will centre on two topics: Funding civil society organisations, and reinforcing effective and sustainable civil dialogue. This in-person conference will be live streamed. 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 will meet 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 discuss the role of quality services of general interest in meeting needs in the field of housing. Read more here.

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

The EESC will bring 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 will focus on the role of young people in collectively shaping a resilient future. It aims to equip them to engage in civic action and continue to contribute to participatory democracy activities in their communities and beyond. Read more here.

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. Whilst some members of the Roma community serve as mayors or deputy mayors, in most Member States the Roma are not represented in the local decision-making process, and are at times deprived by direct and indirect, legal and extra-legal means from exercising their own political rights. The hearing will discuss the obstacles faced by the Roma community which hinder them from becoming active citizens, and the changes that are needed. It will also look at good practices from municipalities where actions are being taken to enhance the Roma community's representation and inclusion. Read more here.

Past EESC events

Public hearing: How to address the loss of purchasing power and the risk of rising inequalities, exclusion and marginalization, 20 February 2025

Driven by the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis is weighing heavily on citizens' lives across the EU. Its impact is felt hardest by vulnerable groups, accentuating pre-existing inequalities. Read more here.

Hybrid public hearing: Road to the Global Disability Summit: For a disability-inclusive development and humanitarian action, 18 February 2025

During the event, we discussed with relevant stakeholders existing good practices as well as obstacles to guarantee the inclusion of disability rights in development cooperation and humanitarian action. Read more here.

AI in the world of work: impacts on working conditions and jobs, Paris/France, 10 February 2025

This event was organised as a side-event to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit hosted by France on 10 - 11 February 2025. Its purpose is to enrich the Summit’s discussions by providing insights from organised civil society from France and the EU level and other esteemed speakers. Read more here.

High-level conference: Social justice in the digital era, 3 February 2025

This high-level conference was organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits the world of work and advances social justice. It featured high-level speakers, including Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, Oliver Röpke, President of the EESC, Labour Ministers of EU countries and partner countries of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, representatives of EU and international institutions and of organized civil society. Read more here.

High-level debate: NAT Section debate on the Agenda 2030 on sustainable development, 29 January 2025

This debate focused on the critical role of sustainable food systems in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing Agenda 2030. The event was webstreamed with interpretation in EN, FR and DE. Read more here.

EESC Plenary Session, 26-27 February 2025

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

The following debates took place:

Presentation of the priorities of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Polish Undersecretary of State, European Union Affairs Division
High-Level forum on Women's rights, with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, linked to the adoption of opinion SOC/798 Violence against women as a human rights issue: state of play of measures across the EU, and the adoption of SOC/821 EESC contribution to the EU's priorities at the UNCSW69 and to the EESC's participation in the 69^th UN Commission on the Status of Women
Debate about EU competitiveness, single market and regulatory simplification, with Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, and Michał Baranowski, Polish Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, linked to the adoption of opinion INT/1070 Assessment of the Letta and Draghi reports on the functioning and competitiveness of the EU's Single Market and the adoption of opinion INT/1075 The competitiveness of the EU’s small and medium-sized enterprises in light of new administrative burdens/obligations
Debate about The EU and Civil Society: Strengthening Democracy and Participation, with Michał Wawrykiewicz and Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Members of the European Parliament, Carlotta Besozzi, Director of Civil Society Europe, Brikena Xhomaqi, Co-Chair of the Liaison Group, Andi Dobrushi, Director of Open Society Foundations Western Balkans, Faustine Bas-Defossez, Policy Director of the European Environmental Bureau, and Nicholas Aiossa, Director of Transparency International Europe
Debate about Three years into Russia’s war on Ukraine: Defining the EU’s geopolitical future

Amongst others the following resolution and opinions were adopted: Anchor

Addressing loneliness: cementing measures for demographic cohesion (SOC/813)
Violence against women as a human rights issue: state of play of measures across the EU (SOC/798)
EESC contribution to the EU's priorities at the UNCSW69 (SOC/821)
Older people in employment – systemic factors in choosing to work for longer (SOC/817)
Ensuring sustainable food production and a fair income for European farmers in the face of market, environmental and climate challenges (NAT/939)
The contribution of the robotics metaverse in the medical sector (CCMI/232)
Defence funding in the EU (ECO/655)
2025 European Semester - Autumn package (ECO/657)
Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (DAC9) (ECO/659)
Strengthening the results orientation of post-2027 cohesion policy – challenges, risks and opportunities (ECO/654)
The physical completion of EU’s internal market in the new geopolitical situation (TEN/845)
Consumer protection and the impact of the digital and green transitions on consumers (INT/1072)
Assessment of the Letta and Draghi reports on the functioning and competitiveness of the EU's Single Market (INT/1070)
The competitiveness of the EU’s small and medium-sized enterprises in light of new administrative burdens/obligations (INT/1075)
The services sector in the European Union (INT/1073)
The future of EU industry in the face of high energy prices and transition costs (INT/1074)
Tourism in the EU: sustainability as a driver for long-term competitiveness (INT/1059)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

#ECIDay2025: secure your spot!

Join us on 18 March for the 2025 edition of European Citizens´ Initiative (ECI) Day! Register now and debate, share your own experiences, exchange best practices and network with ECI stakeholders from all over Europe. More information and updates are available on the Civil Society Week / ECI Day webpage and on social media.

New initiative registered & open for signatures

The ECI on HouseEurope! Power to Renovation calls for incentives to make the renovation and transformation of existing buildings the new norm and a go-to option, and thus to preserve homes and communities, ensure a fairer and more local building industry, and save energy and resources. Registered on 21 January, the initiative is already open for signatures to support it. See the ECI registry website for more information on this and all the other initiatives you can support.

Image © ECI on "HouseEurope! Power to Renovation"

CERV funding available for citizen engagement projects, deadline 29 April 2025

Are you seeking EU funding for a project focused on citizen engagement, protecting diversity and civil rights, or empowering individuals in democratic processes, among other areas? The EU´s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) funding programme has recently launched a new call for citizen engagement projects. The deadline for submitting applications is 29 April 2025.

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: