Civil society has long been a partner in EU policymaking. We must ensure that it continues this way

All across Europe, civil society plays a vital role in strengthening our democracies, supporting communities on the ground, and ensuring citizens’ voices are heard in decision-making. Each and every day, civil society organisations work tirelessly to do this. 
At the EU level, civil society networks aim to bridge the gap between institutions and people, bringing expertise and solutions to intricate issues that should not remain disconnected from those experiencing them. From advancing social inclusion and protecting fundamental rights to promoting environmental sustainability, civil society ensures that  policies are more responsive and inclusive, shaped not only by political priorities but also by people’s lived experiences. 
Despite this indispensable role, the space for civil society organisations to operate, known by the term ‘civic space’, is shrinking in the EU and beyond. This can have a range of consequences for citizens, from having less representation of their experiences to weakened policies that will affect their quality of life. This phenomenon is coinciding with additional scrutiny at EU level on civil society’s role, transparency, and funding, all of which add to an atmosphere of distrust toward the sector at a time when we are needed more than ever. 
But the reality is that civil society has been a vital partner in the development of the European project for many decades. Civil society engagement in the EU has grown steadily, step by step.  European networks of civil society organisations date back as early as the 1960s, including BEUC, the European network of consumer groups founded in 1962, and the Young European Federalists (JEF), established in 1972. Long before “participation” became part of institutional vocabulary, civil society organisations were already pushing for greater rights, transparency and democratic processes. 
The European institutions recognised this essential contribution over time. In 1987, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognising non-profit associations as essential to strengthening the European project. Since then, the role of civil society in EU policymaking has increased significantly and been enshrined in EU Treaties. Article 11.2 of the Treaty on European Union formally established that EU institutions “shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society.” 
Understanding this historical context is crucial to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation civil society faces today. The scrutiny that I mentioned earlier reflects that organisations working to defend public interests and wellbeing are on thin ice in times of political uncertainty and instability, and especially those working on migration and climate protection are being currently targeted. However, civil society has always managed to persevere through these turbulent times and is still delivering for those it represents. We have proved once again our capacity to resist narratives and actions that seek to harm the most vulnerable and shake the foundations of fair, participatory and inclusive societies.
This is why Civil Society Europe has launched its ‘Voices of Millions’ campaign. Aiming to highlight the positive impact of civil society, this campaign is a continuation and consequence of the complex historical evolution of civil society organisations and their relations with decision-makers. It aims to remind Europe that civil society organisations are not abstract and disconnected from reality, but the representation of national, regional and local voices that must have a say in all decisions. Launching this campaign right now is crucial, because trust, participation and inclusion remain essential for Europe’s future. 

You can stay up to date with the campaign via website and social media channels (LinkedIn / X / BlueSky).