EU-CORD Responds to the EU Civil Society Strategy Consultation
We welcomed this opportunity to contribute – not only as a network rooted in the European civil space, but also a network of organisations working in close partnership with civil society organisations around the world, particularly faith-based and community-led organisations.
Civil society plays a vital role in upholding dignity, justice and inclusion — especially in contexts of poverty, conflict and crisis. We see this every day in our work, whether through frontline humanitarian response, long-term development, or advocacy that brings community voices into policy spaces.
In our submission, we encouraged the Commission to recognise the essential role of local and national civil society actors in external action — particularly in fragile settings.
We also highlighted the urgent need for systematic disability inclusion in all EU external policies and programmes. The EU has firm commitments under the CRPD and its own Disability Rights Strategy — but these must now be put into practice, ensuring that Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are fully engaged in decision-making processes.
Too often, smaller organisations — including grassroots groups, women-led initiatives, and OPDs — face barriers to accessing funding or shaping policy. We called for simpler, more inclusive entry points and funding mechanisms that recognise the full range of civil society contributions, including advocacy, public awareness and accountability.
We welcomed recent steps to safeguard civic space, such as the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive, and encouraged further action to protect civil society actors at risk, both within and beyond the EU — including stronger safeguards in trade, cooperation and political dialogues.
Finally, we reaffirmed the importance of meaningful and structured dialogue between civil society and EU institutions. Consultation is only the beginning — what’s needed is an ongoing, respectful partnership that includes the full diversity of civil society.
When civic space is protected, people thrive.
When all voices are heard, better decisions are made.
When civil society is strong, democracy is strengthened.
We look forward to seeing a strategy that reflects these values — and that builds a more just, inclusive and responsive EU partnership with civil society.
