Signed by environmental organisations representing more than fifty million citizens, the letter emphasises how civil society engagement strengthens democracy, ensures public participation, and supports the EU’s commitments to living well within planetary boundaries. The letter underscores that civil society’s involvement in EU policy-making is grounded in the Treaty on European Union and the Aarhus Convention, both of which guarantee public participation in environmental decision-making.

For decades, civil society organisations have constructively contributed to EU policies by engaging in consultations, expert groups, and structured dialogues, while respecting diverse perspectives. However, unlike resource-rich actors such as foreign governments, multinational corporations, and business associations, civil society organisations require EU support to ensure a level playing field.

The EU facilitates this by providing operating grants to environmental NGOs under the EU LIFE Programme, which supports the development and enforcement of EU environmental and climate policies by enhancing governance and civil society involvement. This allows NGOs collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to address pressing challenges like climate change, the energy transition, and biodiversity conservation, and provide scientific, evidence-based contributions to policymaking.

Civil society organisations' engagement in the development of EU policies follows the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and efficient use of EU funds. As such, it contributes to the EU’s reputation as a strong and vibrant democracy in which citizens' voices are heard and supported.

See here for the full letter