OpenLobby.EU
Explore

Democracy International e.V.

DI

Democracy International wants people to have the final political power.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU Civil Society Strategy

3 Sept 2025

Democracy International welcomes the consultation on a European Civil Society Strategy and highlights the urgent need for a bold and consistent approach in the face of shrinking civic space. Civil society organisations across Europe face increasing legal restrictions, administrative burdens, smear campaigns and political attacks, yet they remain vital for democratic life. They connect citizens to institutions, amplify voices of local and marginalised communities, and defend transparency, accountability and fundamental rights. Their role is particularly crucial in times of social inequality, economic precarity and overlapping crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The EU must therefore reaffirm civil society as a cornerstone of democracy, justice and the rule of law, and create an environment in which organisations can operate freely and effectively. This requires structured civil dialogue at all levels, ensuring inclusive participation and safeguarding against illiberal misuse. It also means protecting CSOs and human rights defenders through stronger monitoring, rapid response, and institutional support, while recognising their role as essential partners in policymaking. Finally, long-term sustainability depends on adequate, flexible and accessible funding, combined with the removal of barriers that limit civic engagement. To safeguard democracy and the rule of law, the EU must establish a coherent civil society strategy that guarantees CSOs a safe, supportive and well-funded environment, counters restrictions and attacks on civic space, and recognises CSOs as indispensable partners in decision-making and public policy.
Read full response

Meeting with Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Apr 2025 · Democracy

Meeting with Thomas Schmitz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen) and Make.org and

4 Apr 2025 · Exchange of view on the recommendations published by the Democratic Shield Civil Society Task Force on the European Democracy Shield initiative

Meeting with Simona Constantin (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath) and Make.org and

4 Apr 2025 · Exchange of view on the recommendations published by the Democratic Shield Civil Society Task Force on the European Democracy Shield initiative

Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Feb 2025 · Democracy

Meeting with Alessandra Moretti (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Feb 2025 · Situation in Serbia

Meeting with Thomas Waitz (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Feb 2025 · Democratic backsliding in Europe

Meeting with Lena Schilling (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Oct 2024 · Democracy Intergroup

Meeting with Sebastian Everding (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Oct 2024 · Introductory Meeting

Meeting with Lukas Sieper (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Aug 2024 · Protecting European democracy

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and

6 Jul 2023 · Defence of Democracy

Meeting with Didier Reynders (Commissioner) and

24 Apr 2023 · Defence of democracy

Meeting with Damian Boeselager (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

26 Jan 2023 · EU Electoral law

Meeting with Dubravka Šuica (Vice-President)

2 Jun 2022 · Handover of a “Catalogue of Ideas"

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (First Vice-President)

30 Aug 2017 · Revision of the European Citizens' Initiative Regulation