As #CivSocWeek closes, we welcome #InternationalWomensDay by spotlighting invisible work.
Across Europe, migrant women drive the care sector yet remain undervalued. Thus, true gender equality also means valuing the care sector, as well as encouraging more men to enter the field.
The closing session of #CivSocWeek brought the @europarl.europa.eu, @ec.europa.eu, & @eesc.bsky.social together with one shared mission: Europe must act collectively to empower CSOs as key defenders of value-driven, resilient democracies.
A moving message emerged from our session on the responsibility and cost of Europeβs resilience. We, the people, voices of civil society must keep lighting the path forward, even when it feels like no one is listening. Resilience begins with perseverance, and above all, HOPE.
At our Volunteering & Social Economy session, the panel stressed that volunteering is often the first step in building resilience. Social economy groups are first responders to local crises, yet MFF negotiations threaten fundings.
βWe donβt need cheerleaders, we need real supportβ
Today is the last day of #CivSocWeek 2026!
We kicked off with a lively session diving into the opportunities and challenges for civil space across Europe.
If you could not join in person, watch us LIVE here
π link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
The third day of #CivSocWeek concludes with the screening of βSordaβ, introduced by the words of Marija HanΕΎevaΔki and the the movieβs director Eva Libertad.
See you all tomorrow at 9 for the grand finale!
If you canβt join in person, watch us live here
link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
There is no competitive Europe without people. Empowering civil society and strengthening the social economy are not obstacles to growth β they are its foundation.
Continue watching us live
π link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
Democracy today is also fought on an information battlefield. Our response begins at home and in schools. Strong foundations in media literacy and critical thinking, along with inclusive, integrated and user-friendly digital tools, are at the heart of democratic resilience.
During today's panel on the Civil Society Strategy and Platform with representants from @fra.europa.eu, @eesc.bsky.social, DG Just, @eucivilsociety.bsky.social, CSOs raised necessary questions about ownership, transparency and real impact.
Continue watching us live here: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
This morning at #CivSocWeek participants and organizers worked together to address and close existing gaps in the European Democracy Shield, focusing on the Centre for democratic resilience, citizen engagement, and countering foreign information manipulation and disinformation.
Commissioner MaroΕ‘ Ε efΔoviΔ was present in 2012 when the ECI was established as a tool for participatory democracy, and he is here today to highlight its importance.
"We feel that we need to do more to protect our democracy," and the ECI is part of the solution moving forward.
What happens after an ECI reaches 1 million signatures?
How can we make the follow-up truly impactful?
These topics were explored and discussed today at #CivSocWeek
Lear more about ECI here
π citizens-initiative.europa.eu/_en
During our From Connection to Action workshop led by @democracyintl.bsky.social , participants reflected on how to build an ECI campaign, identifying potential challenges and potential solutions
Gathered around the tables, everyone had the chance to exchange ideas and learn from one another
Day 2 of #CivSocWeek is #ECIDay!
European Citizens' Initiatives are tools of participatory democracy at the EU level. The more support these initiatives get, the more MEPs are bound to respond and take action.
Support the initiatives that matter to you here
π citizens-initiative.europa.eu/_en
In hard times like the ones we are living, civic participation is more important than ever β it acts as a βsentinelβ, a true guardian of democracy. πͺπΊ
Thatβs why we must strengthen the legal follow-up of successful #ECI initiatives
π΄ Watch live here: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
Wrapping up day one of #CivSocWeek 2026
Stay tuned and see you soon for Day 2!
π΄ If you can't make it today, join our webstreaming: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
Europe faces a structural housing crisis, with 10 million homes missing and prices rising faster than incomes.
Proposed solutions from our great speakers include boosting supply, scaling up social housing, mobilizing EU funds, and ensuring stable, fair-paying jobs.
#CivSocWeek
Through a World CafΓ© format at #CivSocWeek, we moved table to table, question to question, exploring three main topics: No One Left Behind, Trust-Legitimacy-Democracy, and Intergenerational Fairness.
Listening. Rotating. Building solutions together.
π link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
Insightful and interactive session on the value of education in building resilient societies, as democracy begins in schools and with youth voices.
Grateful for our speakers, sparking an engaging and lively conversation π
πΊ Webstreaming: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
"Facing our own fear is a prerequisite for forging freedom together"
At #CivSocWeek, former Irish Minister Katherine Zappone reminded us that the transformative power of civil society begins within each of us.
πΊ Webstreaming: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
"Who speaks for those who are not in the room, who are never in the room, who donβt even know that the room exists?
You do. Civil society does."
@eesc-president.bsky.social
Follow us here: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
The welcome of #CivSocWeek could not ignore the tragic events of the past days.
@eesc-president.bsky.social Seamus Boland, expressed his deepest concern at the start of yet another war and the loss of lives.
With diplomacy failing, his message was simple and clear: "please talk".
Proud to gather #CivilSociety voices from throughout #Europe for #CivSocWeek.
Join us live here: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
π #CivSocWeek 2026 kicks off!
Uniting #CivilSociety to shape the future we want: one built on resilience, strengthened by democracy, and centred on people π€β¨
π @eesc.bsky.social & Online | 2-5 March
π΄ Watch live: link.europa.eu/T9CJg7
π @eesc.bsky.social | 5 March | #CivSocWeek
Whose resilience are we really protecting?
This session explores intergenerational fairness, gender equality and minoritised language communities as core pillars of democratic resilience.
See you there!
π @eesc.bsky.social | 5 March | #CivSocWeek
Can volunteering strengthen Europeβs resilience?
This session explores how volunteers and the social economy drive solidarity, preparedness, and democratic participation across communities.
Register π eesc.europa.eu/CivSocWeek2026
π @eesc.bsky.social | 5 March | #CivSocWeek
Who funds democracy when civic space is under pressure?
This session explores how EU institutions, philanthropy and civil society can strengthen funding, advocacy and partnerships to keep democratic space alive.
Registerπ eesc.europa.eu/CivSocWeek2026
π @eesc.bsky.social | 4 March | #CivSocWeek
What does it take to rebuild trust in polarised societies?
This session explores how an enabling environment for civil society can strengthen democratic resilience, participation and social cohesion.
Register π eesc.europa.eu/CivSocWeek2026
π
@eesc.bsky.social | 4 March | #CivSocWeek
Can democracy survive without trusted information?
This session explores how media, digital skills and civil society can strengthen democratic resilience in the age of disinformation and AI.
Last chance to register π eesc.europa.eu/CivSocWeek2026
π @eesc.bsky.social | 4 March | #CivSocWeek
Can the EU Civil Society Strategy truly strengthen civic space?
This workshop explores how the upcoming Civil Society Platform can embed trust, transparency and meaningful participation in EU policymaking.
Register π eesc.europa.eu/CivSocWeek2026
