21.10.2025 advocacy, Democracy, policy, statements

EAEA statement on the EU Civil Society Strategy

EAEA participated in the Commission’s open public consultation of the EU Civil Society Strategy, highlighting the pivotal role of not-for-profit organizations in the pursuit of democracy and societal resilience. EAEA invites the Commission to increase its support by ensuring CSOs have the space to bring the citizens’ voices at the heart of the democratic process.

Read the full statement on the Civil Society Strategy (pdf)

EAEA recommendations:

  1. Continue and increase the financial support for CSOs to enable them to sustain their role as guardians of democracy.
  2. Broaden the concept of defense and security beyond the military sphere, by recognizing CSOs as key players on behalf of the social fabric, and reflecting this through increased funding and stronger recognition in the key institutional documents and initiatives.
  3. Safeguard the space for CSOs in the democratic decision-making process, including organizations in candidate and neighboring countries.
  4. Enhance dialogue between CSOs and Institutions through more efficient and continuous forms of collaboration.

News

More news >
09.03.2026 gender

Through the Gender Equality Task Force, EAEA reaffirms commitment to gender equality in ALE

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, EAEA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that education, training and lifelong learning contribute to gender equality and social justice.

05.03.2026 active ageing

The role of adult education in promoting active ageing and building inclusive societies

EAEA welcomes the European Commission's development of the EU Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness and emphasises the pivotal role of adult learning and education in supporting responses to the current age structure changes, fostering active ageing and intergenerational learning.

10.02.2026 EAEA Annual Conference

Introducing EAEA’s 2026 Annual Theme: Resilience and Community-Building

EAEA'S 2026 annual theme is closely linked to current EU priorities, especially the Democracy Package - including the Civil Society Strategy and the Democracy Shield initiative. At a time of rising Euroscepticism and threats to democratic values, adult education has the power to strengthen democracy by promoting civic engagement, critical thinking and participation.