False economy – the democratic cost of weakening civil society

“In order to foster a more comprehensive and inclusive democratic framework, we must place genuine political engagement, open dialogue and the active involvement of civil society central to our democratic politics” 

Tom Theuns, Protecting Democracy in Europe (2024)

In her 2024-2029 political guidelines, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to protecting civil society in her second mandate, stating: “We must ensure civil society is better protected in its work”.

Last week’s consternation about the support green NGOs receive from the Commission’s LIFE programme was a typical example of a storm in a glass of water in the Brussels bubble. And it was a controversy that ignored the pivotal role that civil society organisations play in strengthening pluralist democracy.

In an era where private interests are violently taking over from public interest, the focus of the debate should be on the importance of strong civil society organisations for our democracies. 

Civil society is vital to promote human rights and pluralist voices; especially at a time when the EU is struggling with the nexus between democracy, security and technology. Misinformation and disinformation are already destabilising our democratic processes and societies at large – in the EU and throughout the world. 

With corporate lobbying budgets dwarfing the limited financial capacity of most NGOs, EU institutions should ensure the diversity of actors involved in decision-making processes at the European level and counterbalance outsized global corporate interests.

The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations will be a litmus test to see if the EU institutions are serious about translating VDL’s commitment to protect civil society into concrete action.

There will be dark days ahead if the EU doesn't actively build democratic resilience. Whole-of-society participation requires investment and longer-term financing for civil society. It’s time to actively defend and fund democracy NOW!




Elizabeth Kuiper is Associate Director and Head of the Social Europe and Well-being Programme

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