On June 10 2025, together with a group of 13 leading civil society organisations, OII Europe sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin, urging the EU to take decisive action to protect civil society.
Across the EU and beyond, civil society organisations (CSOs) are facing mounting pressure and threats. From politically motivated attacks to restrictive funding rules and foreign agent laws, the space for civic action is shrinking. At EU level, reactionary voices have increasingly targeted CSOs, threatening both their independence and their ability to uphold democratic values.
The letter raises three urgent concerns:
- Unsustainable Co-Funding: The 20% co-funding requirement under the CERV programme is increasingly unmanageable, especially for organisations supporting marginalised groups. A reduction to 10% starting in 2026 is strongly recommended.
- Restrictions on Advocacy: Efforts to limit advocacy by EU-funded NGOs threaten core democratic functions. Advocacy is vital for civil society to represent and defend vulnerable communities.
- Protecting EU Funding: As the new EU budget is developed, the CERV programme must be maintained and reinforced with sufficient funding and independence to continue supporting civil society across Europe.
Together with our partners, OII Europe calls on the European Commission to reaffirm its commitment to civil society not just in words, but through action. Civil society organisations remain ready to engage in dialogue and stand united to ensure EU values of equality, freedom, and democracy remain strong and inclusive for all.
Read the joint letter here:
