As global democracy faces mounting threats, civil society remains a crucial pillar for defending liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. ELF’s Policy Paper explores how the European Union can reinforce its commitment to civil society both within and beyond its borders.
By MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (Renew Europe), Alva Finn, Executive Director, ELF and Sofia Mørch, Governance and Enlargement Fellow, ELF
As global democracy faces mounting threats, civil society remains a crucial pillar for defending liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. ELF’s Policy Paper explores how the European Union can reinforce its commitment to civil society both within and beyond its borders. The paper outlines the critical need for structured civil dialogue between EU institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs), calling for an inter-institutional framework to enhance transparency, participation, and accountability. It distinguishes between corporate lobbying and value-driven civil advocacy, urging the EU to protect the legitimacy of CSO engagement amid rising political hostility and regulatory burdens.
The paper presents a strategic roadmap for the EU to expand civil society engagement in candidate countries and safeguard democratic momentum in the enlargement process. Policy recommendations include reducing funding barriers, building cross-border CSO alliances, and adopting a comprehensive Civil Society Strategy. The authors argue that empowering civil society is not just a moral imperative but essential for the EU’s geopolitical resilience and democratic future.