Newsletter Liaison Group

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Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks July 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, dear colleagues and friends,

This final newsletter of my mandate comes with heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions to the Liaison Group and the EESC and with a deep sense of appreciation for all we have accomplished together.

From the beginning, my objective was to strengthen the EESC's role as a unique gateway connecting citizens, civil society and EU institutions. Looking back, we can be proud: together, we have advanced a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable Europe.

Over these two years, we’ve grown stronger and more connected. The Liaison Group now brings together 47 European umbrella organisations and new EESC members – the presidents of our groups representing youth, equality, disability rights, migration, Roma inclusion, and fundamental rights — breaking silos and enriching our discussions.

We celebrated 20 years of the Liaison Group’s tireless work to foster participatory democracy and give civil society a prominent voice in EU policymaking.

We transformed our flagship event from Civil Society Days into Civil Society Week - successfully held twice - bringing together hundreds of participants to champion democratic participation, social cohesion, a fair economy and just transition. Throughout these initiatives, we’ve shown that civil society is not just another stakeholder — it is a cornerstone of our Union, defending and shaping the values we share.

Looking ahead, a major milestone will be the European Commission’s Civil Society Strategy and Civil Society Platform, long demanded by organised civil society. At its July Bureau meeting, the EESC held an important debate with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, followed by the adoption of a key opinion on EU strategy to support, protect and empower civil society (SOC/840), requested by the European Commission. The opinion highlights the need to strengthen the role of the Liaison Group and puts forward concrete proposals to reinforce its visibility.

With its unique treaty-based mandate to represent and consult civil society — ensuring democratic legitimacy and continuity in civil dialogue — the EESC, together with its Liaison Group, is ready to contribute to the formulation of the Strategy, assist in its implementation, and play an integral role in the conceptualisation, realisation, and governance of a Civil Society Platform.

The EESC has a strong track record as a facilitator and amplifier of civil society voices, broadening participation across the board. While building consensus, the EESC ensures that a wide diversity of voices is not only heard but actively shapes European policymaking.

Challenges like polarisation, shrinking civic spaces, and threats to democracy call for stronger partnerships, more support, and sustained funding to civil society, to empower those who protect and fight for our rights every day. Based on the EU budget proposal for 2028-34, much more needs to be done to ensure funding truly reaches social partners and civil society, strengthens their capacity for meaningful dialogue, and drives a fair, sustainable, and inclusive future. I trust the Liaison Group will remain a driving force in this effort.

I would like to thank all the Liaison Group members and secretariat for their expertise, passion and dedication and special thanks to Brikena Xhomaqi, my co-chair, for our excellent cooperation.

I am confident the EESC and Liaison Group will continue defending democratic values and civil society’s rightful place in Europe’s future, and I wish you continued success in the journey ahead.

With sincere thanks and best wishes,

Oliver Röpke
President of the EESC

Co-chair of the Liaison Group

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

ECAS: Online Masterclass for Civil Society Organisations, 10-12 September 2025

Unlock the power of moral emotions – such as anger, fear, hope, and pride – that shape public perception and drive social action. This practical online Masterclass is designed specifically for civil society organisation leaders and members. It will help you understand, harness, and counter these deep emotions, especially as they are often exploited in political smear campaigns. This Masterclass draws on cutting-edge research from the EU-funded MORES project. Participation is free, but interested organisations should submit a quick application by 25 August due to the limited number of spots.

Image © MORES Project

SEE: Murcia to Host Social Economy Week – 17–19 September 2025

From 17 to 19 September, the city of Murcia, Spanish Capital of the Social Economy 2024–2025, will host European Social Economy Week, the major social economy event at European level. Featuring a high-level conference on the SEAP mid-term review, the event will be attended by high-level representatives of EU institutions from the Commission, Parliament, EIB, EESC and Member States. The European Social Economy Awards Ceremony will also take place, alongside meetings of EU Member State high-level representatives and MEPs from the Social Economy and SGIs Intergroup. The week is co-organised by the government of Spain, the region and city of Murcia, CEPES, Ucomur, and Social Economy Europe.

Image © SEE

EVBB: Annual Conference 2025, Brussels, 3 October 2025

The European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) invites you to the EVBB Annual Conference 2025 on 3rd October in Brussels! Focusing on the theme “Innovative Financing Models for the Future of VET”, we will explore sustainable and inclusive funding strategies for skills development through expert panels and networking. Stay tuned for the agenda and registration details.

Image © EVBB

Eurochild: position paper on Violence against children in Europe

Ensuring strong child protection systems, where every child is protected from all forms of violence, is at the core of Eurochild’s mission. This position paper outlines key aspects of violence against children, including definitions, its impact on children, the settings in which it occurs and the groups of children most affected. It also highlights relevant Council of Europe and EU frameworks. The paper includes country-level insights provided by Eurochild members and partners and concludes with recommendations based on their contributions and experiences on the ground.

Image © Eurochild

CEV: European Volunteering Ambassadors 2025

Volunteers Kasper Tomshøj, Karin Daugaard Bucholtz and Dennis Perez Skov from Denmark will promote the essential contribution of volunteers to the future of Europe, making a special connection to the Danish Presidency of the EU in the second part of 2025. This activity is part of CEV’s #VERA2025 Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme funded project that seeks to promote the power of volunteering for equality and inclusion in Europe. More here.

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

Philea: Unpacking the EU AML/CFT package: Philea and ECNL issue key insights and implications for NPO sector

Philea and the European Centre for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) recently published the report ‘Unpacking the EU AML/CFT package: Impacts on the non-profit sector’ to shed light on the implications of the recent new AML/CFT package on non-profit organisations (NPOs), including public-benefit foundations. As the package now moves into the implementation phase, ECNL and Philea continue engaging with EU policymakers to ensure that the impacts on the non-profit sector are proportionate and aligned with the international policy framework in this area. You can reach out to esther@ecnl.org and lucia.plantamura@philea.eu to get involved.

Image © Canva / ECNL, free stock image gallery

Past events

ALDA: General Assembly

The European Association for Local Democracy’s (ALDA) annual general assembly took place in Rome on 12 July, bringing together members, partners and stakeholders to reflect on ongoing work and set priorities for the year ahead. This year’s assembly was held just after the Ukraine Recovery Conference, also taking place in Rome on 10-11 July, reinforcing ALDA’s commitment to democratic resilience, local governance and support for Ukraine. Read the official programme here.

LLLP General Assembly 2025: 20th anniversary celebrations and plans for the future

On 1-2 July 2025, the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) held its annual General Assembly in Brussels. In an extended two-day event, it brought together all its members to approve reports and plans, elect new representatives and engage in forward-looking discussions with decision makers. Read all the details in this article.

News from the EESC

Out now: New EESC study on Mapping civil dialogue practices in the EU institutions

The European Commission intends to step up its engagement with civil society. But what practices of civil dialogue already exist at EU level? Who is organising them and using which methodology? The EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group has just launched a new EESC-commissioned study on the subject. The research is entitled Mapping civil dialogue practices in the EU institutions and was carried out by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). Curious about its conclusions and recommendations? Download and read the study here.

Debate: Multiannual financial framework 2028-2034, 5 September 2025

Read more about this public online debate on the multiannual financial framework here.

Hybrid public hearing: Accessible and Affordable Housing for All – Ensuring Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the EU, 15 September 2025

This public hearing will feature insights from EU institutions, showcase good practices at the local level, and highlight recommendations from civil society and disability organisations.

Conference: AI Implications on European Union Civil Society: Perspectives from Denmark, Hellerup/Denmark, 15 September 2025

This conference is organised by the EESC, the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA) under the auspices of the Danish Presidency of the EU Council. The conference will focus on AI infrastructures, the use and adaptation of AI, and will examine its economic and societal implications, potentials and challenges. Initially, it will explore harnessing AI and Big Data, including innovations and future directions. Subsequently, it will showcase the Novo Nordisk Foundation's vision and work with AI and quantum computing. Additional information regarding the programme and registration will be provided shortly.

European Migration Forum – 10th meeting, Harnessing migrants' skills in the EU, 27-28 November 2025

The European Migration Forum – the dialogue platform on migration, asylum and migrant integration – will meet for the tenth time on 27-28 November 2025. Participation in the Forum meeting is by invitation only - the call for interested organisations is open until 8 September.

Past EESC events

17th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform, Rome/Italy, 11 July 2025

The 17th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform (CSP) took place in the margin of the Ukraine Recovery Conference. During the meeting, the CSP members discussed key achievements and ongoing challenges of the European integration process. The debate included exchanges with the EU and Ukrainian authorities and experts on priority areas such as the energy sector, digital infrastructure, and rights of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. A joint declaration, prepared by both sides, will be discussed and adopted.

Conference: Building green and inclusive – Making our communities future-proof, Copenhagen/Denmark, 2 July 2025

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, architects, engineers, and urban planners to discuss how our built environments can become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Topics included climate-resilient architecture, accessible public infrastructure, innovative housing models, and the importance of inclusive design that takes into account the needs of all members of society.

From trade to water: civil society's soft diplomacies (European Public Diplomacy Week (EPDW)), 25 June 2025

The EESC held this event in the context of European Public Diplomacy Week, launched for the first time by the European External Action Service (EEAS). The participants highlighted a fundamental dimension of European action, the contribution of civil society to public diplomacy, from international trade to water, through enlargement. When official diplomacy has limited outreach due to political or other issues, civil society can provide added value.

The annual ESG Conference 2025, 24 June 2025

The EESC's European Semester Group, a member of the EESC Liaison Group, brought together speakers from the EU institutions, organised civil society, the Member States and research institutes for its annual conference on "A stronger and more inclusive European Semester that works for all: Strengthening Europe's Economic Resilience, Sustainable growth and Competitiveness".

2025 Euromed Summit of Economic and Social Councils and similar Institutions, Istanbul/Türkiye, 23-24 June 2025

The annual Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions provides civil society organisations (CSOs) from the UfM Member States with a platform to debate common challenges and opportunities and to exchange best practices. This year's event gathered around 120 participants, notably representatives of a wide range of CSOs from the Euro-Mediterranean region, youth representatives, EU and MENA government representatives, guest speakers and representatives from embassies and the media.

EESC Plenary Session, 16-17 July 2025

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

The following debates took place:

Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs
Debate about Youth, with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport
Debate about Enlargement High-Level Forum, with representatives of the European candidate countries
Debate about Climate and Peace, with Jeffrey Sachs, professor at Columbia University, economist and public policy analyst (remotely); linked to the adoption of opinion REX/599 Addressing the interdependence between peace and climate change: need for renewed global diplomacy

Amongst others the following resolution and opinions were adopted:

EU strategy to support, protect and empower civil society (SOC/840)
Good practice for EU civil dialogue in the light of participatory processes (SOC/820)
Union of Skills (SOC/837)
EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (SOC/829)
The ERA Act: unlocking the fifth freedom (INT/1082)
Tackling inequalities in people’s access to healthcare (SOC/825)
Regulatory simplification – the use of digital tools in better law-making (INT/1088)
Towards 2030 – Assessment of key environmental actions to be included in the annex to the 8th Environmental Action Programme to better anchor environmental policy in society (NAT/951)
The role of services of general interest (SGI) for competitiveness, social cohesion and democracy in the European Union (TEN/851)
Recommendations of organised civil society to address the cost-of-living crisis (ECO/660)
Affordable Housing: Cohesion policy, Urban agenda and civil society (ECO/663)
Financial literacy and education for Europeans (ECO/677)
The importance of institutionalising civil and social dialogue in EU candidate and partner countries (REX/598)
Looking to the future of EU-UK relations: 2026 Review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) from a civil society perspective (REX/600)
Addressing the interdependence between peace and climate change: need for renewed global diplomacy (REX/599)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

New ECI registered: ‘Food is a Human Right for All! Guaranteeing healthy, just and sustainable food systems’

On 8 July, the Commission registered a European citizens’ initiative on ‘Food is a Human Right for All! Guaranteeing healthy, just and sustainable food systems’. Its organisers call on the Commission to propose or amend legislation in various areas in order to guarantee the right to food systemically and promote healthy, just, humane and sustainable food systems for present and future generations. They have six months to open the signature collection.

Image © Shutterstock / Mahmudul Hassan

Update on ECIs after successful collection of signatures

Two initiatives, ‘My Voice, My Choice’ and ‘Ban on conversion practices’, have recently submitted their collected signatures to national authorities for verification. If the required 1 million valid signatures is reached, with minimum thresholds met in at least seven countries, the organisers can present the initiative to the Commission for examination and an answer. Meanwhile, the organisers of the already verified ECI on ‘Cohesion Policy for the Equality of the Regions and Sustainability of the Regional Cultures’, discussed their initiative in a European Parliament public hearing on 25 June (watch the recording).

Image © Shutterstock / Inna Kot

Finland becomes the 7th Member State to lower the age for signing ECIs

As from 1 July 2025, Finland allows citizens aged 16 and above to support European citizens’ initiatives. This makes Finland the seventh country, alongside Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Greece and Malta, where individuals under 18 can sign an ECI and thus make their voice heard.

Image © Shutterstock / BERMIX STUDIO

Electronic signing of ECIs already available in most Member States

Cyprus has recently joined 19 other EU countries that have enabled the digital ECI signing process. Cypriot citizens can thus support European citizens’ initiatives online using their electronic ID (CyEID) now. Check the status for all EU Member States to see the signing options in your country.

Image © Shutterstock / nito

ECI summer reading: Stories behind the initiatives in the ECI Forum blogs

Find out more about the European Citizens´ Initiative and get inspired by experience, useful tips and stories behind the concrete initiatives! You can find all of that in the blogs published by the ECI Forum.

Image © Shutterstock / Miljan Zivkovic

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: