Newsletter Liaison Group

Click here to see this message in your browser

Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks March 2026

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. Citizens' Engagement Platform

8. Link to our members' newsletters

Editorial

Dear members and friends of the Liaison Group,

The third EESC Civil Society Week – this year entitled People, Democracy, Resilience – our Future! – brought together over a thousand civil society players, policy-makers and members of the general public in early March. With eight high-quality sessions co-organised by twenty-two EESC Liaison Group European network members, the week became a dynamic platform for dialogue, debate and action. The message was clear: defending democracy and rebuilding trust requires a robust civil society – and everyone has a role to play.

The solutions? A vibrant civil society, underpinned by practical, lifelong citizenship education accessible to everyone . Local learning ecosystems – schools, local councils and community groups – must work together to treat young people as citizens right now: today, and not just tomorrow. As one participant noted: “Democratic resilience isn’t taught; it’s lived.”

Yet education alone is not enough. Social cohesion is fraying as a result of geopolitical chaos, economic inequality and community ties that are being eroded. To restore trust, we must empower the most vulnerable – those isolated in rural areas, trapped in urban poverty or facing discrimination, including people with disabilities. We need independent media, media literacy to combat misinformation, and safe spaces where the views of the general public – and more specifically young people – can be truly heard. Intergenerational fairness is non-negotiable.

Housing problems exemplify the crisis. Across Europe, young people and vulnerable groups are being priced out of housing access and marginalised. Bold action is needed: faster planning for affordable housing and stronger enforcement of the Minimum Wage Directive to lift people out of poverty. Housing is a fundamental right, not a commodity.

Democracy’s values demand active defence. The EU Democracy Shield offers promise, but it must prioritise civic engagement, giving civil society a central role in the proposed Centre for Democratic Resilience. Complacency about civic space is not an option. The new EU Civil Society Strategy must be reflected in action with stable funding, protection for civic spaces and an inclusive Civil Society Platform – extending efforts to candidate countries. The Social Economy Action Plan and the European Cross-Border Association Directive are critical tools. We must ensure their implementation, alongside enabling legislation, funding and digital infrastructure. We also need a single market for philanthropy, so as to unlock more potential for philanthropy across borders.

Funding is vital. Public and philanthropic players must coordinate better. The next EU Budget (Multiannual Financial Framework), especially via Agora EU, must support civil society beyond project grants, ensuring accessibility for smaller organisations and human rights defenders.

In the digital age, resilience means more than having strong passwords. It requires independent media, education to navigate algorithm-driven information and democratic digital infrastructure. Volunteering, too, is a strategic asset for resilience and cohesion – but it needs policy recognition and support.

Resilience also demands intergenerational fairness. EU climate policy must address structural causes, not just ask younger generations to adapt to crises they haven’t created. Linguistic and cultural diversity must be protected to leave no community behind.

The Civil Society Week has provided a roadmap: Next steps for a more democratic and resilient future. These concrete proposals were presented and discussed during last week's EESC plenary session with EU policy-makers. Now, it’s up to all of us - civil society, policy-makers and citizens – to act. Europe’s democratic future depends on it.

Hanna SURMATZ

Philantrophy Europe Association (Philea)

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

ECAS: State of the Union Citizens’ Rights 2026 Conference: Citizenship, Belonging and the Future of Knowledge in the EU, 24 March 2026

The State of the Union Citizens’ Rights Conference is ECAS’s flagship annual event, where we take a deep dive into the latest developments in the field of European citizenship. Join us for the 2026 event on 24 March, where we will explore two key issues for European citizens that lie at the centre of today’s European policy landscape: the growing obstacles to obtaining nationality within EU Member States and the future of freedom of knowledge in the European Union. Our first panel will focus on nationality laws in the Member States, looking at developments in the process of obtaining national citizenship and their impact of on the daily lives of EU citizens. The second part of the conference will examine one of the EU’s most ambitious objectives: strengthening what is known as the Fifth Freedom – freedom of knowledge. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of EU citizenship – register now!

Image © ECAS

SEE: Online webinar sessions – Democracy at Work: Social Economy actors bringing EU values to citizens, April 2026

Under the auspices of the 2026 Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Social Economy Europe is holding a three-session online event entitled Democracy at Work: Social Economy actors bringing EU values to citizens on 9, 16 and 23 April 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CET). These online sessions will showcase how the Social Economy advances European values, active citizenship and a resilient, people-centred economy.

Image © SEE

EASPD: A week-long training on inclusive education, Madrid, 19-24 April 2026

The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for its training course on inclusive education entitled ‘Building an Inclusive School for All’, set to take place in Madrid, Spain, between 19 and 24 April 2026. The training will deepen education professionals’ understanding of inclusive education and equip them with practical tools to apply in their own situations. Find all the information and register here.

Image © Pexels

ACE: ARCH-E Conference on Architectural Design Competitions – Brussels/online, 23 April

Join the Architectural Design Competitions (ADCs) Conference, organised by ARCH-E with the support of the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE). The event will focus on architectural design competitions as a quality-based procurement method that fosters innovation, supports high quality architecture and helps select the best projects. The conference will bring together experts, institutions and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss how to improve the framework for architectural design competitions and how to better support both architects and public procurement agents. Register here.

Image © Arch-e

EASPD: Registration open for conference "Leading Change in Disability Services", Porto/Portugal, 14-15 May 2026

The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) invites you to their upcoming conference, Leading Change in Disability Services, taking place in Porto on 14-15 May 2026. The event will bring together leaders and professionals from across Europe to explore strategies to modernise organisational structures and strengthen leadership to deliver person-centred support. Register here now.

Image © EASPD

Eurochild: Four years on, psychological support for families in Bucha, Ukraine

Published to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the latest episode of the Daphne-CHILD Grantee Spotlight Series, a podcast showcasing the 48 civil society organisations across nine European countries working to end violence against children, features Anna Vashchuk from UA Mental Help, who shares how her team is bringing psychological education to children and parents in the Bucha district, a community still rebuilding itself after occupation while facing ongoing bombing, electricity cuts and freezing temperatures. Listen to or read the full conversation to learn how Anna and her team are fostering resilience, one small step at a time, supported by the EU-CERV-funded Daphne-CHILD programme.

Image © Terre des hommes (Tdh)

Eurochild: Are governments so far removed from people living in poverty?

In this episode of the Eurochild podcast, we dive into the findings of our 2025 flagship report, exploring key challenges facing children in Europe and highlighting recommendations and practical examples of how the EU Child Guarantee can make a difference.

Image © Eurochild

Eurochild’s position on age restrictions on social media

The report argues that protecting children online requires a shift in responsibility from children and parents to social media companies and regulators, calling for a fundamental reform so that services are safe-by-design, rights-based, and accountable for risks to children, rather than relying mainly on age restrictions.

Image © copyleft, stock photo

AGE Platform Europe’s reaction to the new EU Intergenerational Fairness Strategy

This new strategy falls short of addressing the needs of all generations, and of setting out a comprehensive approach to age equality across all areas of life, supported by concrete actions. Discover why this initiative is a missed opportunity to shape a future where every generation can flourish.

Image © AGE Platform Europe

LLLP: Applications are open for the LLLAwards 2026! Deadline 31 August 2026

Under the theme ‘Reimagining validation and recognition: give value to all learners, learning and competences’, the 2026 edition of the Lifelong Learning Awards will bring visibility to creative and inclusive practices taking place all over Europe. You can submit your application for one of the four categories by 31 August.

Image © Lifelong Learning Platform

ALDA+ launches the new training programme for 2026 – Learn how to manage EU-funded projects or strengthen your skills!

A training programme designed by professionals for professionals, aimed at supporting both those who already work with EU-funded projects and those approaching this field for the first time, as well as individuals who wish to strengthen specific skills related to the project cycle, such as financial reporting, project communication, or the management of European Commission portals. Through interactive online sessions, participants will gain practical tools to navigate European funding opportunities and manage projects effectively, from the initial idea to the final report. Discover more about the ALDA+ training programme and register now by writing to training@aldaplus.it.

Image © ALDA

Past events

SEE: Social Economy Europe took part in Civil Society Week 2026

Social Economy Europe (SEE) took part in three sessions during the week: Media and digital resilience as safeguards of democracy; Building an enabling environment for democratic resilience; and Volunteering and social economy: Building up Europe’s resilience. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of civil society and the social economy in safeguarding democratic values, strengthening social cohesion and responding to emerging challenges.

UEF: XXIX European Congress – Barcelona, 20-22 March 2026

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) convened its XXIX European Congress in Barcelona from 20-22 March 2026. This major gathering saw federalists from across Europe shape strategies for Treaty reform and European political union.

LLLP: Register for the Lifelong Learning Labs 2026! Thursdays, 19 February – 12 March 2026

The Lifelong Learning Lab 2026 featured four distinct training courses for national stakeholders in education and training who were willing to engage in advocacy actions at all levels. They took place every Thursday from 19 February until 12 March.

News from the EESC

Public hearing: EU Budget expenditure tracking and performance framework. What is in it for organised civil society?, 25 March 2026

This public hearing will explore the proposed Budget expenditure tracking and performance framework in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. It will examine how the proposed framework can enhance transparency, accountability and results‑based policymaking. The debate will focus in particular on what this framework means for organised civil society. Representatives of EU institutions, national authorities, academia and civil society will exchange views. The event will be webstreamed (EN, FR) and open to all interested stakeholders. Read more here.

Conference: Geopolitical instability: defence expenditure and workers' rights, 25 March 2026

The meeting will explore how shifts in the global landscape are impacting labour markets and European workers. Experts from trade unions, the EP and academia will assess the EU's current position and future direction on geopolitics, peace, defence, and internal reform amidst emerging global challenges, including the conflict in the Middle East. The second session will specifically focus on the budget shifts towards increased defence spending and their impact on social welfare and social security. Participants will discuss how workers’ rights and protections can be defended and upheld under these new conditions. Read more and follow live here

Public debate: Macroeconomic implications of the conflict in Iran, 8 April 2026

This public debate will examine the broader macroeconomic consequences of the conflict in Iran for the European economy. The discussion will explore how renewed geopolitical instability may affect the EU’s growth prospects, economic resilience, and Europe's external relations. The debate will also consider the potential implications for the EU’s strategic priorities and how the conflict could reshape Europe’s policy agenda, including key objectives such as the green transition and energy security. The discussion will also examine how shifting geopolitical and economic realities may influence the EU’s priorities and budgetary choices, including the ongoing negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework and the Union’s capacity to address emerging challenges while maintaining its long-term ambitions. The event will be webstreamed and open to all interested stakeholders. Read more here.

Public hearing: How can civil society organisations actively improve financial literacy, 4 May 2026

The EU recognises the importance of financial literacy and education among its citizens to protect consumers and to achieve financial well-being of individuals, hence the European Strategy on financial literacy that the European Commission published in 2025. In the past, the EESC already considered financial literacy as essential for the independence of EU citizens, to reduce inequalities, to strengthen social rights, and as a complementary tool for effective planning of social welfare and pensions, access to health insurance and coverage for long-term care. This public hearing will bring together policymakers and civil society stakeholders to discuss on existing initiatives, the role that civil society should play, and what policy actions are necessary to untap their potential in this regard. The event will be webstreamed (EN, IT, ES, BG).

Past EESC events

Civil Society Week 2026 – From dialogue to next steps for a resilient future

Civil Society Week 2026 brought together EU policymakers, civil society organisations and citizens from across Europe to turn dialogue into concrete action for a more democratic and resilient EU. A central role was played by the 22 European civil society network members of the EESC Liaison Group, who, together with their partners, co-organised eight high-quality sessions addressing a broad range of current societal challenges. At the March EESC plenary session, representatives from the Liaison Group, the European Citizens’ Initiative Group and the EESC presented the outcomes of #CivSocWeek 2026 in a debate with the European Parliament and the European Commission, reinforcing the link between civic engagement and EU policymaking. The Next steps for a more democratic and resilient future are now available, capturing key messages and concrete proposals emerging from the event. Read the outcomes, watch the video and browse the photos.

ECI Day 2026 – From one million voices to real impact

The 14th edition of ECI Day highlighted the growing role of the European Citizens’ Initiative as a key tool for participatory democracy in Europe. With over 24 million signatures collected since 2012 and four initiatives surpassing one million signatures in 2025, the ECI has clearly moved beyond its experimental phase. The focus now is on turning citizen mobilisation into concrete EU action. Speakers from the EESC, European Parliament, European Commission and the European Ombudsman stressed that meaningful follow-up is essential to maintain trust and ensure that citizens’ voices translate into real impact. Ten initiatives were presented, illustrating the diversity and potential of citizen-led action, alongside recent examples of policy influence at EU level. Participants also underlined the importance of stronger collaboration and cross-border networks to make future initiatives more effective. Read the outcomes, watch the video and browse the photos.

Your Europe, Your Say! 2026, 19-20 March 2026

The 17th edition of Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) brought together 16–18-year-old students, their teachers, 18-25-year-old young adults and representatives of youth organisations to discuss “Meaningful Connections, Active Participation and Democratic Engagement”.

Hybrid public hearing Delivering Full Inclusion: which measures for the second half of the EU Disability Strategy?, 5 March 2026

This event featured insights from EU institutions, and highlighted recommendations from civil society and disability organisations. #DisabilityRights

Challenges for Women in Media - supporting and hindering factors, 4 March 2026

Gender inequality remains one of the most pressing issues that our societies continue to face. The question of gender equality in the media sector is shaped by broader political, social and technological developments that influence how women participate in and are represented across media landscapes. To mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, the EESC Equality Group organised a conference to highlight current tendencies affecting women in the media. The conference brought together experts from EU institutions, civil society organisations and academia, as well as journalists working in different media fields, to discuss the challenges women face and the way forward.

Public hearing: The cohesion policy 2028-2034: A new fund, a new framework, a new role for civil society?, Brussels, 25 February 2026

"Cohesion policy 2028–2034: A new fund, a new framework, a new role for civil society?" brought together EU institutions, social partners and civil society representatives to reflect on the future of cohesion policy in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The hearing explored proposals for reforming cohesion funding and governance, assessed the implications of the new framework through the National and Regional Partnership Plans and examined how civil society organisations can play a stronger role in the design, implementation and monitoring of cohesion policy. The discussion aimed to identify how cohesion policy can continue to deliver territorial, social and economic cohesion while responding to new challenges and transitions facing the European Union.

EESC Plenary Session, 18-19 March 2026

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

The following debates took place:

- Presentation of the outcomes of the Civil Society Week, with Nicolae Ștefănuță,

Vice President of the European Parliament; Irena Moozová E, Deputy Director-General

of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG

JUST); Hanna Surmatz, Member of the Liaison Group; Thierry Libaert, Member of

the European Citizens’ Initiative Group ; Pietro Barbieri, Cinzia Del Rio and Christa

Schweng, rapporteurs-general for opinion SOC/840 on the EU strategy to

support, protect and empower civil society adopted in May 2025

- Debate on Moving Europe in times of crisis: military mobility, transport resilience

and their social dimension, with Maja Bakran, Deputy Director-General of the

European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE);

Hasit Thankey, Head of the Defence Enablement and Logistics Defence Policy and

Planning Division at NATO; Fabrizio Petrucci, CEO of Prometheus; and Nele Verlinden,

Senior Legal Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation to the

EU, NATO and the Kingdom of Belgium; linked to the adoption of opinion TEN/869 on

Military mobility

- Flagship debate on the Emotional Health of young people and children in the EU,

with, among others, Ewa Kopacz, Vice-Presidentof the European Parliament,European

Parliament Coordinator for Children’s Rights andChair of the High-level Group of

Gender Equality and Diversity; Agnese Lāce, Minister for Culture of the Republic of

Latvia; Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare (video

message); Maria Walsh, Member of the European Parliament and Co-chair of the

Intergroup on Mental Health; and Pietro Barbieri, EESC rapporteur for opinion

SOC/799 on Mental Health Community Services adopted in September 2024.

Amongst others the following opinions were adopted:

- Social inclusion and independent living for persons with disabilities through high quality and specialized social services (SOC/851)

- Enhancing quality in employment and working conditions by introducing and promoting related tools (incl. AI) and strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining (SOC/850)

- Digital Omnibus (INT/1108)

- Strategic Foresight Report 2025 (INT/1099)

- European Biotech Act and accompanying Directive on genetically modified micro-organisms (CCMI/257)

- Revision of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) (NAT/976)

- GreenData4All – updated rules on geospatial environmental data and access to environmental information (NAT/978)

- Organic production rules – targeted amendment to Regulation 2018/848 (NAT/977)

- Omnibus environment - Simplification of administrative burden in environmental legislation (NAT/969)

- Generational renewal strategy (NAT/963)

- EU Water Resilience Strategy and European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework (NAT/973)

- Tackling housing scarcity through affordable, sustainable and family-oriented housing policies (TEN/866)

- EURATOM-Research and Training Programme 2028-2032 (TEN/864)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

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: