Strengthening European Democracy: Insights from the Civil Society Conference

EuropeXXI recently participated in a hybrid conference organized by the Civil Society Organizations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the topic of “Civil society organizations defending and strengthening European democracy.” This event was organized with the aim of highlighting the crucial role that civil society organizations play in protecting and strengthening democracy in Europe.

The European Commission has emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and institutions, as they form the basis of stability, security and prosperity in the European Union. Civil society organizations are instrumental in this regard, as they promote equality, social cohesion, democratic values and hold decision-makers accountable. In addition, they act as supervisory entities that promote the rule of law and fundamental rights. However, there are worrying trends in several EU Member States where democratic values are under attack, and civil society organizations are being targeted. The conference addressed this issue and discussed the role of civil society organizations in protecting the rule of law and recent developments in this regard, as well as positive stories of cooperation. It also focused on the relationship between civil society organizations and decision-makers.

As a civil society organization, EuropeXXI is committed to promoting democratic values, protecting the rule of law, and holding decision-makers accountable. The organization’s work aligns with the objectives of the conference and the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package and the European Democracy Action Plan. EuropeXXI has been working towards these goals through its various projects and initiatives, including promoting transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, advocating for the protection of human rights, and supporting the inclusion of civil society in policy dialogue.

In conclusion, the conference on “Civil society organizations defending and strengthening European democracy” was an important platform for civil society organizations to discuss the challenges they face in protecting democracy and promoting democratic values. It highlighted the crucial role that civil society organizations play in upholding the rule of law and fundamental rights in Europe. EuropeXXI’s participation in the conference demonstrates the organization’s commitment to these values and its efforts towards achieving them through its work.

EuropeXXI attends PHKCCI’S Chinese New Year Reception and Dinner

We were honoured to attend the Chinese New Year Reception & Dinner kindly organized by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Portugal-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHKCCI).

The reception was hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and over 160 participants joined the event in person.

It was an excellent opportunity to connect with the HK-Portugal business community and a good start to the Year of the Rabbit.

Photos by: PHKCCI

Inclusive Surf Sessions

At EuropeXXI, we believe that sport plays a fundamental role in the lives of people with disabilities or special needs by stimulating and helping their physical, psychological and social development.

We also believe that surfing is a sport for everyone, capable of eliminating barriers and social exclusion.

Within this perspective, we joined the European Parliament and the Surfing Life Club for an “Inclusive Surf Session at Praia de Matosinhos”, thus seeking to give practical visibility to the principle of non-discrimination in the structuring pillars of the European Union.


Europe Day 2022

On 9 May 1950, Europe took the first step to foster relationships instead of rivalries, to prioritise dialogue over brute force. It was an ambitious project without precedent in our history.

That is when the journey of the European Union began. Peace is our daily goal that has been achieved thanks to the determination of many Europeans. They all believed that nothing is more valuable.

In this seventy-two years-long journey, the EU has united countries from all around Europe in a successful effort to maintain peace and thrive together as one.

Nowadays, when Russia’s aggression against Ukraine breaches international law, we stand united in supporting our Ukrainian friends. More than even before, Europeans feel that they belong to one European family.

Peace has no alternative.

Statement by Europe XXI on Russia’s attack on Ukraine

On February 24th, 2022, Russia launched an unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. This act is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Europe XXI has always fostered a space to debate complex and controversial issues.
We advocate that only by recognizing our differences and by bringing together a multiplicity of perspectives, we are able to find alternatives, create bridges, promote consensus and build solutions to the most pressing global challenges.

Despite all the diplomatic efforts, Russia has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring. The world will hold Russia accountable, such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century.

Europe XXI stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this unparalleled crisis.

Europe XXI

Rethinking Europe in the 21st Century

EUXXI participates in the event “Civil Society Organisations: Key Actors for the Future of Europe” organized by the European Economic and Social Committee

On the 5th of November, EuropeXXI members discussed the state and future of civil society organizations in Europe, in the event Civil Society Organisations: Key Actors for the Future of Europe, organized by European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Civil society organizations respond to a wide variety of concerns and perform very important social, cultural, civic, recreational and economic functions. In fact, around one in five Europeans are involved in associative life. Despite this, the social and civic value of this sector is often neglected and called into question. A major concern is that in several countries and governments (some under the pretext of the COVID-19 crisis) are restricting the public and financial freedoms of civil society organizations.

Aiming to draw attention to these developments and to provide a forum for reviewing the state of civil society organizations in Europe, the following topics were addressed:

  • The value that organizations create for European democracies;
  • The challenges and barriers that organizations face with regard to the protection of fundamental rights and civic space (on the basis of the initial findings of a new EESC study on The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on fundamental rights and civic space);
  • Experiences with civil dialogue at national and European level;
  • Other current challenges and responses from civil society in Europe;
  • Civil society organizations’s views on the process for the Conference on the Future of Europe and future steps for strengthening organized civil society and democracy.

Lastly, the conclusions and recommendations of this event will be published soon by the EESC and be part of our contribution to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Brussels 5/11/2021 – Civil Society Organizations as Key Actors for the Future of Europe.

Europe day: A new organization is born

Today, on Europe Day, borns a non-profit organization with the aim of building a better Europe. 

This project started on multiple open discussions between friends about diversity, solidarity, freedom, democracy, rule of law, tolerance, non-discrimination and inclusion that are at the same time the EU values. 

On such a historic day, we took the opportunity to launch our organization that promotes consensus and bring solutions to such difficult times waiting for all EU citizens. 

Today, 71 years after “The Schuman Declaration“, we are not struggling to overcome war, but we are working to overcome a pandemic that demands everyone’s effort, creativity and real-time solutions. “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.”

As Robert Schuman said on 9 May 1950, we need to make creative efforts to continue building bridges between countries and today, we have an advantage that our ancestors did not, we are more conscious and aware of our future difficulties.

It’s time to renew our values, perspectives, and design thinking to understand each country and citizen needs to develop sustainable solutions.

We invite you to join our roundtable discussions and help us to search, think and implement solutions that we need to bring through these challenging times and redefine Europe in the 21st century.