PAREA shares the concerns raised by the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance on new restrictions imposed on civil society activities

PAREA is a co-signatory on today’s EU4Health Civil Society Alliance (CSA) Joint Statement expressing concerns over new restrictions on civil society organisations (CSOs) engaging in policy and advocacy activities, which could set a precedent for the health sector.

This follows an announcement from the end of 2024 that EU LIFE operating grants, which support CSOs working in environmental and climate action, can no longer be used for policy or advocacy activities targeting EU policymakers. This decision raises alarms across sectors, as it risks limiting the ability of civic society to contribute expertise, represent citizens and communities and safeguard democratic participation in EU policymaking.

The EU4Health CSA Joint Statement underscores the important role of CSOs in ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in EU policy discussions. CSOs play a key part in bridging the gap between communities and decision-makers, namely in the health sector, where patient groups and advocacy organisations provide essential insights into the needs of those most affected by policy decisions.

PAREA fully supports the Statement’s call for the protection of civic space and continued public funding for civil society engagement in policy discussions.