The Wheel Joins 100+ Irish Civil Society Organisations Calling on EU Leaders to Reverse Proposed 30% Cut to Civil Society Funding
The Wheel is one of over 100 Irish civil society organisations which have joined together to urge EU leaders to reject budget cuts proposed by the Irish Presidency to EU funding that would significantly weaken support for democracy, civic participation, and fundamental rights across Europe.
In an open letter addressed to the President of the European Council and EU Heads of State and Government, the organisations warn that plans to reduce funding for culture, civil society, and journalism by 30% in the EU’s long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, would have serious consequences for the future of EU democracy and society.
The call follows the publication of a revised budget proposal by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU on Saturday (10 October) ahead of a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday. The European Council summit seeks to advance negotiations on the EU’s budget among other key issues.
The Irish Presidency proposes cutting funding for AgoraEU – the EU’s main funding instrument for democratic participation, civic engagement and fundamental rights – from €7.606 billion to €5.324 billion. This 30% cut is disproportionate when compared to the reduction of around 8% proposed to the overall budget. This proposal is particularly concerning that it comes from Ireland who acted in the past as a champion for civil society and democratic values.
The letter, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and The Wheel, highlights the vital role that civil society organisations play in promoting democratic participation, protecting fundamental rights, supporting many vulnerable people, countering disinformation and strengthening trust in democratic institutions. Among the more than 100 organisations signing the letter are groups from across Ireland, including organisations based in Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Waterford and Wexford, alongside national organisations with reach across the country. The signatories work across areas including disability, youth, women’s rights, equality, migration, rural development, education, health, homelessness, workers’ rights, climate, culture and international development.
David Geary, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said:
“The fact that more than 100 organisations from across Ireland have come together on this issue sends a clear message to EU leaders. At a time when democracy, fundamental rights, and civic space are increasingly under threat across Europe, we must support organisations and initiatives that strengthen democracy and protect human rights. We are calling on the European Council to restore the AgoraEU funding proposed by the Commission and ensure that civil society has the resources it needs to continue engaging with citizens, promoting informed debate, and supporting Europe’s democratic values.”
Joe O’Brien, ICCL Executive Director, said:
“On Saturday, the Irish Presidency proposed gutting funding for EU civil society. Three days later, Ireland was elected to the UN Human Rights Council on a platform of supporting the role of civil society. The government says it is committed to human rights and to upholding the rule of law and democracy, but its actions suggest otherwise. At a time when democracy and human rights are under threat across the globe, we urge the European Council to restore funding and ensure Europe remains a place where democracy and society thrive.”
Dónall Geoghegan, Director of Policy and Advocacy for The Wheel, said
“In an increasingly volatile world where social cohesion, respect for fundamental rights and democratic values are constantly challenged, investing in our communities has never been more important. Community and voluntary organisations are essential to support the most marginalised, act as a safeguard of democracy, build social infrastructure, and connect people. These roles have been strongly recognised by the EU multiple times, including in the EU Civil Society Strategy. This drastic cut is completely at odds with existing commitments to drive a strong, independent sector that is essential to Europe’s future.”
The signatories call on EU leaders to:
- Reject the proposed 30% reduction and restore AgoraEU funding to at least the level originally proposed by the European Commission.
- Protect dedicated, ring-fenced funding for civil society and democratic participation, including through CERV+.
- Ensure sustainable and accessible support for organisations at local, national and European level, including smaller grassroots groups.