Civil society is essential to protecting democracy, fundamental rights and equality across Europe. But without adequate funding, organisations working to uphold these values cannot meet growing needs.
Today, 32 European civil society networks and organisations, including IPPF European Network, representing more than 2800 organisations have sent a joint letter to EU Member States calling for stronger support to civil society as part of the AgoraEU programme in the next EU budget (MFF).
Specifically, we urge the Council to:
- Increase the overall AgoraEU budget, rather than reduce it.
- Safeguard the strand dedicated to democracy, citizens, equality, rights and values (CERV+) by maintaining its proposed share of funding.
The Commission's own evaluation shows that demand for CERV funding far exceeds available resources, with many high-quality projects unable to receive support due to budget constraints.
At a time when civic space is shrinking, disinformation is spreading, and anti-rights actors are becoming increasingly organised, this is a necessary investment in Europe's democratic resilience.
The EU recently made new legislative and policy commitments to safeguard democracy, civil society and equality. Now is the time to strengthen — not weaken — the EU's budget for democracy, fundamental rights and equality.
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