Can Democracies Dream Big Again?
The Crisis of Economic Instability
Economic insecurity is pushing societies to the edge, transforming a crisis of inequality into one of deep economic uncertainty. Many young people today struggle to find stable housing, secure jobs, or start a family.. Competitiveness has become the ultimate priority, often at the cost of fundamental principles. In the name of efficiency, we are asked to take on responsibilities we cannot fulfill, forced to do more with the same resources. The pressure is relentless: be marketable, be informed, be engaged citizens—all while struggling with insecurity.
At the same time, decisions are being made at at such a speed that public consultation becomes impossible, leaving people disconnected from the very processes meant to empower them. One of the most damaging effects of economic instability is that it robs us of time to engage, think critically, or drive change. Feeling disempowered, people turn to strong leaders who promise stability—even at the cost of democracy itself. As Petros Fassoulas from the European Movement International reflects, “We need to recapture the empathy that defines CSOs. Rather than disliking or dismissing those who challenge us, we must understand their fears and frustrations.”
The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Disempowerment fuels fear. But civil society organizations (CSOs) are powered by purpose. There is no invisible hand that will save democracy—CSOs are the visible force of democracy. Elections are based on the individual vote, but as individuals, we are weak. In contrast, grassroots organizations unite individuals into a collective force. We are not alone—we stand together, and that gives us the courage to fight.
To build a stronger, more inclusive future, we must end the competition of victimhood. CSOs, unions, and local councils must stop competing for support and instead fight for each other’s rights, finding complementary roles. We must demand stronger protections for free speech and the right to protest—from both national governments and the EU. It is crucial to be cautious about accepting responsibilities without resources. The EU Commission’s pledge to introduce a CSO strategy is important, but CSOs risk being overpowered by business interests with vast funds to influence policy. We must resist the new arms race and demand public consultation, especially in times of crisis. The consequences of poor decisions are too great to exclude people from the process. As Mădălina – Mihaela Antoci from the International Youth Health Organization states, “Diversity requires effort—it doesn’t sustain itself. Unity goes beyond borders, and history has proven that it’s not about geography but about shared aspirations.”
Building a Strong and Inclusive Society
Real unity doesn’t come from the top—it starts at the grassroots level. That’s where we must focus our efforts to build a strong and inclusive society. But civil society organizations (CSOs) are under attack. Without resources, defending the space becomes increasingly difficult. CSO-s need legal protection. A thriving civil society is essential for democracy, and EU must ensure CSOs have the safeguards they need to continue their vital work.
The European peace project was built on the idea that diversity is not a challenge but an opportunity—a source of strength that we must embrace and harness. The key lies in engaging in meaningful dialogue, using the right arguments to bridge divides rather than deepen them. Democracy thrives on active participation, and civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential to this process. Wherever vulnerabilities emerge, CSOs play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that no one is left behind. To protect what we have built, we must strengthen and safeguard civil society—and that requires a clear, structured CSO Strategy. As Younous Omarjee, Member of the European Parliament, urges, “Be agents of transformation as political leaders.”
Two years ago, the world seemed unchanged. But look closer—within every family, there is pain and uncertainty. The leaders of the past are no longer in place, and people fear what lies ahead. Will life become harder? Will our children face an even more difficult future? In times of crisis, people instinctively hold on to their families—their nearest and dearest. But what about our communities, our towns, our countries? Many want to embrace unity in diversity, yet fear drives them to defend only what is closest- said Adriana Porowska – Minister of Civil Society, Poland. This is where civil society organizations (CSOs)—especially small, local NGOs—play a crucial role. When social media and traditional media fail to provide security, CSOs step in. They are the bridge between people and the values we must protect.
We need to build a new generation of leaders—custodians of democracy who uphold the rules and maintain normalcy in turbulent times.
More crises lie ahead, but we have the power to protect and uphold our values. It’s time to move beyond the fear of economic instability and embrace solidarity. As Albena Azmanova, Professor of Political and Social Science at City, University of London, urges, civil society organizations must lead the way. Now is thetime to inspire Europe to dream big again – beyond instability, toward a future built together.
Note: This blog draws inspiration from the first day of Civil Society Week 2025, currently underway, focusing on ‘Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarized Societies,’ organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EU)
