VSE Policy Update
From March 17th to the 20th, the EESC and their partners invited us to celebrate Civil Society Week. Áine Hanrahan and Paula Peralta Agustí joined throughout the week, participating in fascinating discussions ranging from Empowering the European Citizens’ Initiative: Strengthening Support across the Member States to Supporting and funding CSOs.
This event brought together civil society, EU policy-makers, journalists, national Economic and Social Councils, youth representatives and academics to discuss key questions, such as:
- How could a European Civil Society Strategy foster greater cohesion?
- How could participatory approaches drive cohesion and inspire collective action for Europe’s green and blue future?
- How could Europe lead in innovation while upholding its values, principles, and ethical standards?
- What policies are needed to enable capacity-building and funding for European civil society?
- What is the role of the European Citizens’ Initiative in tackling polarisation?
- How could support be strengthened for the ECI at different levels in the Member States?
For Victim Support Europe, we attended to learn from other CSOs, raise our concerns regarding funding for victim support organisations, the challenges member states are facing and upholding EU values and principles particularly for those most vulnerable in society.
Day I – European Citizens Initiatives
On the 18th of March, Ms Hanrahan joined, delving into what European Citizens Initiatives (ECI) are, what Initiatives are currently ongoing and how to develop and raise awareness of ongoing ECI. The emphasis from many participating organisations currently leading campaigns related to the need for further awareness raising support, to consider ECIs that had interest but may not have met the needed quota (as occurred with Data Roaming), and for funding to support CSOs who run ECI campaigns.
The day ended with a group work session to further our understanding on what it takes to develop, launch, advertise and get signatures for an ECI. These sessions were an excellent example of how coordinated efforts can make change through local and national initiatives.
Day II – Funding for Civil Society Organisations
On the 19th of March, Paula attended two sessions related to the EU’s new budgetary situation.
The first session, under the heading Supporting and Funding Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), discussed the pressing funding challenges faced by many grassroots organisations, particularly in light of the USAID cuts and the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework proposal. The discussions reaffirmed the need for sustainable funding mechanisms that ensure the longevity of civil society organisations across Europe.
A key takeaway was the increasing role of foundations and philanthropies in bolstering civil society, as well as the crucial contributions of EU funding mechanisms such as the CERV Programme. Beyond EU funding, the session highlighted the role of the New EEA Civil Society Funds, which will continue supporting resilient civil societies, human rights, and the rule of law until 2031. These funds offer both project and institutional grants, helping organisations not only sustain their strategies but also implement small-scale, impactful projects.
The second session, Spotlight on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), examined the EU’s new long-term budget. With the European Commission’s draft proposal expected in July and the European Parliament preparing to adopt its position beforehand, co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureșan and Carla Tavares discussed key priorities and upcoming next steps.
As key priorities, both parliamentarians emphasised the need for simplification in the new budged, reducing bureaucratic hurdles to make funding more accessible. Flexibility is another major focus, given that the current budget lacks reserves and margins, making it difficult to respond to crises.
Balancing traditional priorities with new ones will be crucial in the next financial framework. This implies addressing the growing focus on security and defence – targeting protection, crisis prevention, and preparedness – while also ensuring competitiveness by supporting the transition to a green and digital economy. Importantly, there seems to be a strong emphasis on ensuring that increased funding for security does not come at the expense of social cohesion policies.
Day III – EU Civil Society Strategy
On the 20th of March, Ms Hanrahan attended the session on ‘Towards a European Civil Society Strategy.’ The European Commission’s decision to develop an EU Civil Society Strategy marks a crucial step in recognising and strengthening the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Europe. After years of advocacy, CSOs are pushing for structured dialogue, transparency, and concrete measures to protect civic space—often the first to respond in crises and the last to leave. Events like Turn Up the Volume have highlighted the need to educate policymakers on the essential, independent role of NGOs, many of which provide critical services.
Yet, CSOs are under increasing pressure, with funding cuts, legal restrictions, and smear campaigns threatening their ability to operate—particularly in countries with more right-leaning governments, where civic space is shrinking. EU lawmakers have stressed the need for a strategic, systematic approach to safeguard CSOs, prevent undue political interference, and integrate a broad, democratic vision into EU policies. With the European Parliament elections ahead, this is a key moment to shape an ambitious, forward-thinking strategy—one that not only protects but empowers civil society to continue its essential work.
A word from Áine Hanrahan:
Attending Civil Society Week is of great importance to VSE, providing an opportunity to highlight our vested interest as a CSO, network with like-minded organisations facing similar challenges, and stay informed about ongoing European dialogues that may impact our members. Engaging in discussions on an ECI and a European Strategy for CSOs is essential — understanding how we can participate and amplify our voice is vital for VSE to drive meaningful change.
A word from Paula Peralta Agustí:
I truly appreciated the chance to be part of a conversation where the vital role of civil society organisations was recognised, and the rising challenges we are facing were acknowledged. It was encouraging to see how our daily work supporting key EU values, like democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, was appreciated. The experience also allowed me to connect with other CSOs and learn more about the contemporary European policy landscape. The discussions on the new EU funding were especially insightful, offering valuable perspectives on potential budget reallocations, which I am sure will be fundamental as we plan our future efforts and priorities.
