Civitates Forum

A unique forum exploring the future of European democracy

March 9th-12th 2026, Bruges, Belgium

What is Civitates Forum?

The first event of its kind.

Civitates’ grantee and foundation partners will come together over three days in Bruges to delve into the challenges facing European democracy and explore visions for overcoming them: sharing knowledge, ideas and inspiration.

The event - consisting of workshops, presentations and more - will be co-designed by the participants: the shape of the three days reflecting their priorities, and Civitates’ position as an organisation which listens and learns from its partners.

At a critical juncture, this is a special opportunity to come together in solidarity in defence of European democracy.

Why are we doing it?

The event’s objectives reflect Civitates’ core values.

Collaboration. We believe in forging new connections, and strengthening existing ones.

Solidarity. This means reinforcing our shared values at a time when they’re being threatened.

Openness. Creating an event designed by its participants reflects Civitates’ ‘listening and learning’ approach.

Our partners are doing incredible work against the odds, but can we – meaning the Civitates’ team, donors as well as grantees – find new ways to meet mounting challenges?

Innovation. We’re bringing the Civitates ‘community’ together for the first time. This offers a unique opportunity to generate new ideas to protect democracy.

What will I get out of it?

For grantees. You decide. Sign up to one of our co-design sessions when you register for the Forum, and help shape the event.

This is a chance to forge new connections in an open atmosphere with people facing similar challenges.

It's an opportunity to learn from peers and share good practices; to help donors understand the contexts and challenges facing civil society in Europe; the chance for innovation, collaboration and new synergies - bringing three different fields together: those working to protect civic space, independent media organisations, and organisations challenging Big Tech’s excessive power.

For funders. The chance to meet people working at the forefront of protecting democracy, holding big tech to account, and producing groundbreaking public interest journalism.

The opportunity to hear about the specific national contexts they work in, and to draw on their expertise; to network and hear from peers; and to strategise collectively on how to address the threats our democracies face.

Who should come?

Programme staff, campaigners, Executive Directors.

We want to work together to explore the future of European democracy, and to strategise our responses to the current challenges it is facing. Please note this is not a fundraising meeting, and we suggest that fundraising staff do not attend.

Due to capacity, we are limited to one person per organisation for each grantee. Foundation partners can bring two people (a steering committee member, one working group member or a board member).