Recognition of the crucial role for democracy of the civil society should be acknowledged at European level rather sooner than later. National civil society organisations, European networks of CSOs, representatives of EU institutions and EEA & Norway Grants gathered on 28 June 2022 to discuss how do we get to a European civil Society Strategy.
The first part of the conference focused on connecting the dots on various ongoing EU institutions’ initiatives concerning civil society. Shared responsibility of civic actors and policy makers implies the civil society voice is heard throughout the entire policy making process.
The second part was dedicated to shaping the next concrete steps each stakeholder, CSOs and European Commission, seconded by key European institutions such as European Parliament, European Economic and Social Committee and Fundamental Rights Agency have to undertake to adopt a European Civil Society Strategy. The process should be open and inclusive, ensuring that the diversity of the civil society actors are present and heard.
