AgoraEU and Justice programmes: strengthening democracy and justice in Europe

At its December 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion supporting the European Commission’s proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes for 2028–2034. The EESC calls for robust support for civil society, enhanced democratic participation, and a stronger European Area of Justice, in the pursuit of a free and democratic Europe.

‘We are happy with the European Commission's proposal, and we urge Member States and the European Parliament to support the budgetary allocation – however we have key improvements contained in the opinion,’ rapporteur Ionuţ Sibian declared during the debate on the opinion in plenary. The EESC calls for explicit recognition of advocacy as an essential part of civil society organisations’ (CSOs) work and  urges the Commission to ensure that operating grants are available across all strands of AgoraEU, reinforcing the institutional resilience of CSOs and safeguarding EU values.

The EESC welcomes the Commission’s decision to maintain Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) through intermediary organisations, recognising its effectiveness in reaching smaller and grassroots organisations. However, the Committee stresses that the independence of intermediaries and compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights must be key eligibility criteria. The EESC also calls for clarity on co-financing rates and recommends allowing up to 100% EU financing for intermediary organisations and grant beneficiaries, to remove barriers for civil society and non-profit actors, especially in countries with limited national or private funding.

Adapting to new challenges and priorities

The AgoraEU proposal brings together the legacy of Creative Europe and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV), streamlining funding and enhancing cross-sector synergies. With a financial envelope of €8.58 billion, the programme aims to reinforce investment in culture, media, democracy, rights, and equality. The Justice programme, with nearly €800 million, will further develop the European Area of Justice. The EESC highlights the need for clear mandates and resources for Programme Desks, safeguards in the use of lump sums and multiannual grants, and a focus on victims’ rights and access to justice, including dedicated funding for support networks and cross-border legal aid.

The Committee draws attention to persistent funding imbalances, particularly the East-West divide, and calls for targeted action to ensure fair access to resources across all regions and sectors. The EESC also recommends that the Commission connect grant recipients working on similar topics to foster synergies and mutual learning, and develop a concrete plan for combined and cumulative funding between AgoraEU and Justice. This would enhance the coherence and impact of EU spending, linking support for civil society and media to the promotion of justice, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Strengthening civil dialogue and national commitment

The EESC regrets the omission of a formal Working Group on Civil Dialogue in the AgoraEU proposal and urges its reinstatement to ensure structured engagement with civil society. The Committee also calls for a conditionality mechanism, linking access to EU shared management funds to Member States’ commitment to complement and sustain the objectives of these programmes. This partnership principle would guarantee sustainable local foundations for democracy, justice, and rights across the EU.

At a time when democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights face unprecedented challenges, the EESC’s opinion on the AgoraEU and Justice programmes sends a strong message: Europe must invest in its civil society, ensure inclusive and effective funding, and build strong partnerships at every level. Only by doing so can the EU realise its vision of a free, democratic, and just society for all.