In 2020 the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) was commissioned to study the response of civil society organisations to face the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictive measures adopted in Europe.
This study report provides evidence that allows to better understand the main challenges faced by civil society organisations, as well as the enormous contribution they made in helping to cope with the consequences of the pandemic. The study also highlights key topics, such as the lack of stable funding streams, legal frameworks and adequate resources and skillsets to take full advantage of the ongoing digital transformation while leaving no one behind. Those issues will require future reflection and bold political decisions to make sure that CSOs’ capacities are maintained and strengthened in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase.