26/06/2026
📢 This week, members and friends of EUConsult gathered in Brussels for our 2026 Study Visit - two days of meetings, exchanges and reflections centred on one key question: What is at stake for civil society in Europe today?
The visit offered an important opportunity not only to reconnect as a network, but also to engage directly with organisations and institutions working on some of the most pressing issues affecting civil society across Europe.
Our programme included:
✔️ an internal strategy and brainstorming session to reflect on current priorities for EUConsult and the wider civil society landscape;
✔️ a very valuable meeting with MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, where we discussed the future of the proposed Directive on European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA), a file of particular relevance for organisations working across borders;
✔️ a visit to the European Economic and Social Committee, where we exchanged views with members of President Séamus Boland’s Cabinet on the vision of “Civil society at the heart of Europe” and its three pillars: a Union of opportunities, a Union of security and a Union of resilience;
✔️ an insightful meeting with European Digital Rights (EDRi), whose work on digital rights, surveillance and Big Tech accountability opened up an important conversation on the relationship between democracy, technology and fundamental rights;
✔️ and a thoughtful exchange with the European Women's Lobby on women’s rights, the gender gap, feminist advocacy and the challenges facing equality work across Europe.
Beyond the formal meetings, the Study Visit once again showed the value of creating space for in-person conversations among members, partners and allies. From policy discussions to a relaxed network dinner, these moments strengthen relationships, generate ideas and help turn shared concerns into future collaboration.
We are already looking at ways to continue the conversation, including sharing reflections from participants and following up on the ECBA file, which remains an important issue for civil society cooperation across Europe. The proposed directive was designed to make it easier for non-profits to operate across borders, and its withdrawal has prompted a broad response from the sector, including an open letter signed by 250+ organisations.
A special thank you to everyone who took part in the visit and contributed to the discussions. 🤝