In recent years, the lasting effects of the pandemic, the challenges of climate change, rising living costs and deepening inequalities have fuelled polarisation across Europe. Social instability, economic hardship and political discontent have deepened social divisions, especially among groups that feel marginalised. More than 800 participants worked together to develop solutions to strengthen social cohesion and democratic participation in the 4-day event organised with these problems in focus.
Civil space must be strengthened against increasing pressure
The event strongly emphasised the need to protect and strengthen civic space as one of the main pillars of democratic societies. Participants noted that CSOs across Europe are facing increasing pressures, financial constraints and legal regulations. Their proposed solutions for these were as follows:
- Establish more secure, predictable and long-term funding mechanisms for CSOs across Europe.
- More effective protection of the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and association at both national and European level.
- Reducing administrative burdens on CSOs and balancing expectations of transparency in a way that does not undermine the independence of organisations.
- Earlier and more meaningful involvement of civil society representatives in EU policy-making processes.
- Take a strong political stand against negative rhetoric and smear campaigns against NGOs.
The cornerstone of democratic societies: active citizenship
Civil Society Week 2025 emphasised active citizenship as the cornerstone of democratic societies. Participants emphasised that individuals strengthen democracy not only by voting in elections but also by exercising their rights, contributing to society and taking responsibility in everyday life. It was emphasised that media literacy and critical thinking skills should be included in basic education programmes to promote active citizenship and counter polarisation. A review of educational materials and public discourse for inclusive language was requested, adapting initiatives to local needs and promoting a human-centred approach.
The prominent recommendations were as follows:
- More comprehensive and practical training on rights, responsibilities and democratic values at all levels of education.
- Establish mechanisms to facilitate citizens' active participation in local government processes, neighbourhood assemblies and consultation platforms.
- Emphasising that volunteering activities both increase social solidarity and strengthen individuals' sensitivity to social issues, a call was made to support volunteering.
- Developing new tools that support participation in decision-making processes through online platforms and increasing the opportunities for citizens to express opinions and make suggestions through digital tools.
- Making special efforts to ensure that people of all ages, income and education levels have access to active citizenship processes.
New policies for young people need to be developed
Civil Society Week 2025 emphasised the need to strengthen the place of young people in democratic processes. It was stated that it is essential to develop inclusive policies for young people to take an active role in social change and decision-making mechanisms. The prominent recommendations were as follows:
- Increasing the number of youth representatives in political processes at local, national and European levels.
- Establishing online and physical platforms where young people can express their views, creating structures such as youth assemblies and advisory boards.
- Expand education on active citizenship, rights and democratic processes in schools and universities.
- Systematic involvement of young people in the design of policies, not only in the final stages.
- Develop participation strategies that are sensitive to the diversity of young people (socio-economic background, ethnicity, gender, regional differences, etc.).
- Increasing the accessibility and impact of youth programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
Digital transformation should be used for the benefit of democracy
The event highlighted the opportunities offered by digital transformation as well as the risks it poses to democratic values. Participants emphasised the need to regulate the digital space in a way that serves human rights, transparent governance and citizen participation. The prominent recommendations were as follows:
- Transparent disclosure and regulation of how algorithms that affect public opinion work
- Protecting the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression, privacy and security online.
- Developing and utilising artificial intelligence applications within a human rights-based framework.
- Strengthening media literacy and increasing access to reliable information to combat disinformation.
- Making digital technologies accessible to all segments of society; closing the digital divide.
- Developing online consultation, voting and feedback mechanisms for participatory democracy.
For detailed document: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-03/Next-Steps-for-more-Cohesive-Societies-CivSocWeek-2025.pdf