Read the full statement: Democratic resilience starts with the protection of civil society (pdf).
Across Europe, the space for civil society organizations (CSO) is becoming increasingly constrained. Civil society is facing direct attacks from the political sphere, both at the EU level and in many EU Member States. This also has a direct impact on adult learning and education (ALE).
Civil society is the beating heart of the democratic system and includes independent, non-profit and community-based organisations, as well as educators and learners who strengthen democratic participation, ensure accountability, and bring citizens’ voices into policymaking.
In our statement we highlight six core principles for a stronger and more resilient Union, anchored in the principle of adult learning and democracy.
Our key recommendations:
- Protect diversity and civic engagement;
- Defend democracy by including more participatory policy-making processes;
- Better leverage the return on investment of Adult Learning and Education;
- Establish and maintain a balanced and representative collaboration between Member States, European institutions and regional stakeholders.
EAEA asks the European institutions to act as independent actors, working for the good of its people by creating a stronger commitment from the European institutions and Member States to protect a safe space of engagement.
Text: EAEA