Civil Society Europe

Civil Society Europe (CSE) is a prominent coordination platform for civil society organizations at the European Union (EU) level. Established in 2016 as an international not-for-profit under Belgian law, CSE serves as a central point of reference for EU institutions on matters related to civil dialogue and civic space. Through its extensive membership, CSE reaches millions of individuals engaged in or supported by not-for-profit and civil society organizations across the EU. Mission and Objectives CSE's mission is to contribute to the EU's recognition of the essential role and value of independent and plural civil society organizations (CSOs) in building and nurturing a democratic society grounded in fundamental rights. The organization aims to create conditions for the development of a strong and independent civil society voice, foster effective and structured civil dialogue at the EU level, and promote a thriving and enabling civic space across the Union. Key Offerings and Activities CSE facilitates horizontal and vertical dialogue between European civil society organizations and policymakers, strengthening CSOs in their activities and relations with institutions. The organization focuses on several key areas: Policy Development : Contributing to policy development on transversal issues of common interest as agreed by the membership. Civic Space : Promoting civic space for civil society at all relevant levels based on fundamental rights. Recognition : Striving for the recognition of civil society organizations by policymakers. Democracy : Ensuring the renewal of European democracy by promoting transparency in decision-making and the participation of civil society organizations in European decision-making processes. Membership and Network CSE comprises 27 platforms and networks, representing a diverse range of CSOs operating at the EU level in various sectors, including education, social rights, environmental protection, culture, transparency, international cooperation, youth, volunteering, patients' rights, anti-racism, anti-poverty, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Membership in CSE offers opportunities for advocacy, mutual learning, and access to tools that reinforce CSOs' accountability and capacity to act as watchdogs. Achievements Since its inception, CSE has achieved several milestones, including: Ensuring the participation of civil society in the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE). Building a common agenda among diverse networks and platforms of civil society organizations. Increasing EU institutions' awareness of the importance of civil society perspectives. Campaigns and Initiatives CSE actively engages in campaigns and initiatives to advance its mission. Notably, the "Voices of Millions" campaign aims to raise awareness about the relevance and power of civil society at the EU level in policymaking and responding to societal needs, amplifying the voices of millions of citizens and marginalized groups. For more detailed information about CSE's activities, campaigns, and membership opportunities, please visit their official website at civilsocietyeurope.eu .