news
slide

Civil society EU 2024 elections campaign for better civic space and civil dialogue

Eurochild joins Civil Society Europe and Social Platform in asking for better protection and engagement of civil society in Europe. 

Civic space - the political, legislative, social and economic environment that enables people and civil society actors to play their role in shaping our societies - is shrinking all over the world, with growing restrictions at all levels.

We call on European political parties and groups to make civic space and civil dialogue central topics in the 2024 European elections, and on the future European Parliament and European Commission to take concrete steps during the next five years to better recognise, protect and engage civil society at all levels.

To fill the gaps in existing policies and to mainstream positive practices, we call on the EU institutions to develop a Civil Society Strategy aimed at strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders and at protecting them from attacks and smear campaigns, with the following key areas:

  • A Safe and Enabling Environment for Civil Society
  • An Eu Mechanism to Protect Civil Society, Activists and Defenders
  • Adequate Funding

> Read the full campaign manifesto

How can you contribute? 

Further information:




Related News/Events

slide
1 October 2026

World Suicide Prevention Day: The Smile of the Child strengthens support for children in crisis

Expanding access to prevention, immediate intervention, and specialised psychosocial support for children and young people facing crises. Eurochild member, The Smile of the Child is dedicated to protecting and supporting…
read more
slide
17 September 2026

State of the Union Address 2026: Where are children’s rights?

Responding to President von der Leyen’s address, Eurochild welcomes commitments on democracy and support for Ukraine, while calling for children, especially those facing poverty, exclusion, migration or conflict, to remain…
read more
slide
16 September 2026

ENAR, Europe’s leading anti-racism network, loses EU funding

As anti-rights movements continue to gain ground, Eurochild is deeply alarmed by reports that the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) has lost its EU operating grant after more than 20…
read more