Civil Society Forum e.V.

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Civil Society Forum e.V.

The Civil Society Forum is a network of non-governmental organisations working across Wider Europe.

Our vision is to build a civil society beyond borders across the entire continent. Established in 2011 as a bottom-up, non-partisan civic initiative, the Forum serves as a platform for joint activities, common positions, support, solidarity, and civic influence on policy- and decision-making. The Civil Society Forum aims to build bridges between civil societies, based on shared values of pluralistic democracy, rule of law, human rights, social and climate justice.

24/06/2026

Tomorrow, our Executive Director, Nataliya Novakova, will speak at the online discussion "Disagree Better: How Community Foundations Can Turn Conflict into Conversation", organised by the European Community Foundation Initiative.

Polarisation is increasingly disrupting community life across Europe, straining relationships, weakening social cohesion and making dialogue more difficult. Yet conflict does not have to lead to fragmentation.

During the discussion, the participants will explore how community foundations can play a constructive role in bridging divides, convening diverse voices, creating safe spaces for exchange and fostering a culture of listening and mutual understanding.

If you are interested in democracy, social cohesion, community building and the role of locally rooted philanthropy in navigating differences, don't forget to register!

Join the discussion on June 25, 11:00 CEST
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/i2LG14kSS9KaYQwSs5P-_w #/registration

23/06/2026

Last week, our Programmes Lead, Maksim Smekhov, represented at the Rebuilding Democracy Conference in Pécs, . For three days, the conference brought together civil society actors from Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans for in-depth discussions on strengthening democratic infrastructure.

As part of the Creative Spaces programme, Maksim facilitated the Polar Game, a participatory and reflective exercise exploring oppression, its patterns, positionality and power dynamics. The session invited participants to consider these issues as an integral part of rebuilding democracy.

We would like to thank the organisers of the conference, the Emberség Erejével, as well as the local civil society partners in Pécs involved in making the event possible.

22/06/2026

Last week, European leaders have met to discuss the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034), known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will shape Europe's ability to respond to upcoming challenges.

This is why we have joined and signed Civil Society Europe’s open letter supporting the European Parliament’s position of a strong MFF, which devotes 1.27% of EU gross national income to new investments, supported by adequate new resources.

The letter states that Europe needs a budget that:

➨ Supports regions, social cohesion and rural communities;
➨ Invests in research, skills and youth;
➨ Recognises culture and civil society as essential pillars of the European project;
➨ Allows the EU to remain a global reliable partner for sustainable development, human rights and gender equality.

At the same time, the debate around the EU budget cannot be limited to national balances and contributions. There needs to be a serious discussion on European own resources that can provide the Union with sustainable and fair sources of revenue.

Read the open letter here: https://bit.ly/4oDcUUK

Every signature shows commitment towards strengthening our message: Europe needs the means to reach its ambitions.

19/06/2026

Hello there! Here’s this week’s collection of opportunities in our :

➨ Quarteera e. V. invites participants based in Germany or Georgia to apply for a German-Georgian youth project focused on memory culture, democratic participation, support for vulnerable communities and international exchange. The programme includes training on designing microprojects in international teams and offers also the opportunity to apply for funding for your own microprojects. There is also the opportunity to attend a 9 dayin-person meeting in Berlin in August 2026 with project costs covered. The application deadline is June 29 2026. https://forms.monday.com/forms/d2643e5a02a6a0122fdc015f6db3a8f7?r=use1

➨ Front Line Defenders are recruiting a Digital Protection Coordinator - Eastern Europe and Central Asia (remote). This role entails providing digital support to selected human rights defenders and organisations, active researching on digital protection in the region and assessing risks of HRDs/HROs. Proficiency in English and Russian required. Apply by July 1. https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=Zoho+Social

➨ Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are looking for a Project and Administration Officer for its Prague office. The position includes planning and executing of bureau projects, overseeing of financial operations and helping define the future strategy. Fluency in Czech and English required. Apply by June 30. https://rsf.org/fr/project-and-administration-officer

➨ The European External Action Service has opened applications for its Young Professional Experts Programme 2026 for its missions in Georgia and Armenia. Those are designed for young professionals looking to get experience in peacebuilding, digital transformation and project management. Apply by July 7. https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/17/european-union-young-professional-experts-programme-2026-apply-for-international-career-opportunities-in-georgia-and-armenia/

➨ The Online School on Human Rights is taking applications for its 2026 edition which will run from August 25 to October 6. This fully online and free-of-charge academic programme provides students with the opportunity to critically explore the relationship between human rights, political institutions and democratic backsliding. Apply by July 19. https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/12/online-school-on-human-rights-2025-rights-in-europe-the-risks-and-impact-of-authoritarianism/

➨ European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is seeking a Deputy Programme Manager and a Programme Assistant with a focus on the Eastern Partnership. As part of the Programmes Team, the position holders will support the assessment of applications, monitor the progress of initiatives and reports and stay up to date with developments in Eastern Europe. Candidates should be proficient in English and Russian. Apply by June 22 and June 28. https://apply.workable.com/eed/j/6B52FA31A5/ & https://apply.workable.com/eed/j/18E03AA2D3/

18/06/2026

This weekend, Marzahn Pride, organised by our colleagues and partners at Quarteera e. V. and Marzahn Pride, returns in Berlin under the slogan "Sichtbarkeit ist Widerstand" ("Visibility is Resistance").

brings people together for a day of visibility and solidarity, featuring live performances, inspiring speakers and space to connect with organisations and activists working for equality and inclusion.

“The defining feature of Marzahn Pride is its strong sense of community,” – say Marzahn Pride organisers.

Fun fact: 20 June is also the summer solstice! You are invited to wear white and weave wreaths to take part in a special flash mob during the demonstration. Bring your friends and celebrate with us!

17/06/2026

This July in Berlin, let's come together to explore what becomes possible when people meet without needing immediate agreement, performance or easy resolution.

Community organisers, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, institution workers, facilitators, researchers and bridge-builders — we invite you to join us for an evening on belonging with john a. powell.

Bring your friends, colleagues, neighbours and communities.

Registration and details: https://luma.com/hu9wr25w

Together with the Democracy and Belonging Forum, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and EPIM (European Philanthropic Initiative for Migration).

12/06/2026

Hi there! Our new is out, packed with fresh opportunities for civil society actors across Europe and beyond:

➨ European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is seeking a Deputy Programme Manager and a Programme Assistant with a focus on the Eastern Partnership. As part of the Programmes Team, the position holders will support the assessment of applications, monitor the progress of initiatives and reports, and stay up to date with developments in Eastern Europe. Candidates should have proficiency in English and Russian. Apply by June 22 and June 28.

https://apply.workable.com/eed/j/6B52FA31A5/ & https://apply.workable.com/eed/j/18E03AA2D3/

➨ Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum is looking for a Creative Communications Trainee. This position is suited to students with skills in audiovisual communication, including photography, graphic design, or video editing. The ideal trainee has good writing skills in English, and knowledge of Romanian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Armenian or Azerbaijani, French, or Dutch is an asset. Apply by June 21. https://jobsin.brussels/jobs/eastern-partnership-civil-society-forum-creative-communications-trainee-2026-06/

➨ The Council of Europe is accepting applications for the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme 2026–2027. This is an opportunity designed for students to gain practical experience alongside experts and policymakers. Candidates must have proficiency in either English or French. Apply by June 17. https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/09/consilium-traineeships-at-the-council-of-the-european-union-2026-2027-paid-eu-internship-opportunities-in-brussels/

➨ The Human Rights Measurement Initiative is hiring a Senior Project Coordinator (fully remote) for a 10-month contract. This role entails coordinating different teams and tracking projects, as well as translating and proofreading documents. Proficiency in English is required. Apply by June 25. https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-rights-measurement-initiative/posts/?feedView=all

➨ Climate Action Network Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (CAN EECCA) invites young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to apply for the new cohort of the EaP Youth Climate Leadership School, a programme designed to prepare climate leaders and negotiators from the region. Participants will have the opportunity to be selected for a fully funded trip to COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. Apply by June 17. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ-7csIBjQF6TNmKd1twCKEuKKOCmC49mRTuBN163haaUJQw/viewform

10/06/2026

Registrations are now open for "Belonging Without Othering: Stories, Conversations and Community" in Berlin, and we're delighted to welcome john a. powell, Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and one of the world's leading thinkers on belonging, democracy and social cohesion.

On 7 July, john will open our evening of stories and conversations across communities — exploring how belonging is created, how it is denied and what becomes possible when people from different worlds genuinely meet.

We live in a world that constantly asks us to harden ourselves, to speak in positions instead of stories, to protect identity through distance, to confuse domination with strength and loneliness with independence.

This evening is an invitation into a search for an alternative – registrations are now open: https://luma.com/hu9wr25w

➨ 7 July 2026 17:30 CEST
➨ Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile, Berlin
➨ Pay what you can. Recommended contribution: 15 EUR

Together with the Democracy and Belonging Forum, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and European Philantropic Initiative for Migration.

09/06/2026

As part of our initiative, we at Civil Society Forum are proud to announce the launch of the Berlin Hub for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

We've launched because the challenges faced by human rights defenders are growing both within Europe and globally. With increasing transnational repression and more restrictions on visa and migration, many HRDs in exile struggle to continue their work safely.

The Berlin Hub aims to respond to these growing challenges by strengthening Berlin’s role as a true hub: a place where defenders are listened to, protected and supported in their work.

What’s happened so far? As a first step, we have already:

➨ Met with parliamentarians and policymakers to discuss the protection of HRDs as well as their role in securing peace and democracy in their home countries;
➨ Held public discussions with HRDs from around the world;
➨ Organised exchanges with Russian, Sudanese and Syrian HRDs to highlight the overarching challenges faced by HRDs;
➨ Begun building a network of partners committed to supporting defenders at risk.

We believe Berlin should play a stronger role in protecting those who protect others. Learn more and find out how you can be part of the : https://csf-ev.org/programmes/berlin-hub/human-rights-defenders/

05/06/2026

Hi there! A fresh issue of the is out and packed with opportunities — check it out!

➨ n-ost – border crossing journalism is looking for an External Communications Manager in Berlin starting as soon as possible. The position entails developing a communication strategy through content creation and narratives, managing media relations and supporting the fundraising team. The perfect candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in communications, proficiency in English and confidence in using digital communication tools. Apply by June 14. https://n-ost.org/news/join-our-team-external-communications-manager

➨ Equality Now and the Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation are taking applications for the 10th Round of the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute. This programme is designed to equip practising lawyers and legal experts with tools to safeguard justice. Candidates should be from Eastern Europe and Central Asia and will get to learn about legal international mechanisms through online and in-presence sessions. Apply by June 16. https://mailchi.mp/equalitynow.org/vpl5d32lel-13358765?e=033173827b

➨ Bazaleti University is taking applications for its Education for Civil Society Programme, and is offering different courses on the topic of political polarisation and dialogue to better understand the values of civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Courses are held on Zoom and in Russian. Apply by June 10. https://bazaleti.university/courses/dialog/

➨ The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is seeking a Programme Assistant with a focus on the Eurasia region from September. As part of the Programmes Team, the position holder will support the assessment of applications, monitor the progress of initiatives and reports and stay up to date with developments in Eurasia. Candidates should have proficiency in English and Russian. Apply by June 21. https://apply.workable.com/eed/j/46ECE02260/

➨ Transparency International is looking for a Fundraising Coordinator in Berlin on a full-time basis. This position supports the development of strategic fundraising initiatives and coordinates development processes. The role suits professionals with experience in institutional fundraising and grant management with a focus on civil society. Apply by June 18. https://transparency.softgarden.io/job/64982423?utm_source=jobs.humanrightscareers.com&l=en

➨ Equality Now is offering three job opportunities in consultancy on disability and sexual violence and legal and policy advocacy. The opportunities are based in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and remote, and are perfect for candidates from Eurasia with a background in law, advocacy and gender studies. Apply by 15 June and find out more here https://equalitynow.bamboohr.com/careers

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https://csf-ev.org/

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