Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions for an EU Civil Society Strategy for a thrivin...

CALL FOR EVIDENCE Ref. Ares(2025)4722887 - 13/06/2025 FOR AN INITIATIVE (without an impact assessment) TITLE OF THE INITIATIVE EU civil society strategy LEAD DG – RESPONSIBLE UNIT DG Justice and Consumers – unit C.2 LIKELY TYPE OF INITIATIVE Non-legislative/Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions INDICATIVE TIMING Q3-2025 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION New initiative announced in the Commission work programme 2025 This document is for information purposes only. It does not prejudge the final decision of the Commission on whether this initiative will be pursued or on its final content. All elements of the initiative described by this document, including its timing, are subject to change. A. Political context, problem definition and subsidiarity check Political context Civil society organisations, including human rights defenders, play diverse roles across our society. They operate in several areas, such as awareness-raising, education, provision of support or services, policy monitoring and advocacy. They are often entrusted with implementing EU law and policies on the ground. They strengthen social cohesion and preparedness, enhance policy effectiveness, and ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard. Their engagement is also a crucial element in the system of democratic checks and balances and the promotion and defence of EU...