The “Scrutiny Working Group on NGO Financing” in the European Parliament and shrinking civic space: What does this mean for civil society?

CSO Blog

Civic space under attack in the European Parliament  On 19 June 2025, a ‘Scrutiny Working Group on NGO Financing’ (SWG) was established within the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee following a proposal by the European People’s Party Group (EPP) in the European Parliament. The committee was extended on 13 May 2026. Its remit was to “investigate how NGOs have…

Global Europe – Key Updates

CSO Blog

Global Europe Global Europe (or currently known as NDICI – Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument) is the EU’s main funding tool for external action. With a current budget of €79.5 billion (2021-2027), it plays a central role in tackling poverty, promoting sustainable development, and promoting peace and prosperity worldwide. In the context of ongoing…

AgoraEU – State of Play

CSO Blog

What is AgoraEU?   One of the key proposals for civil society funding under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 (MFF) is the creation of AgoraEU. AgoraEU (2028–2034) will cover funding for culture, media, civil society, and EU values, with three strands: Culture, MEDIA+, and CERV+. The Commission proposed a total budget of €8.6 billion (€3.2 billion for MEDIA+, 3.6 billion for CERV…

Key Takeaways from EU Civil Society Week

CSO Blog

EU Civil Society Week took place from 2-5 March, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). A series of sessions were livestreamed from Brussels, the recordings of which are available here.  Civil Society Week 2026 was framed by a backdrop of growing constraints on civil society organisations (CSOs), human rights defenders and free media, including funding cuts, political pressure and foreign interference in European election campaigns. The need to safeguard civic space was highlighted, particularly in light of declining trust in…

The 2028-2034 MFF negotiations – state of play

CSO Blog

The Multiannual Financial Framework, or MFF, is the EU’s long-term budget. It decides how much the EU can spend, and on what, for a seven-year period. The next one, currently under negotiation, will run from 2028 to 2034 and will shape the EU’s funding landscape for years to come. What happens in the MFF negotiations is important for civil society organisations and communities in Ireland, many of which receive funding via different funding instruments that are…