Gong took part in a study visit to European institutions in Luxembourg and Brussels dedicated to the European Union’s future Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2028-2034 period. The visit was organized by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development and brought together representatives of 18 associations from Croatia — organizations that are part of the Knowledge Centers for Social Development programme, beneficiaries of Thematic Systemic Support, and partner organizations of the Croatian Centre for the Support of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
During the three-day programme, participants had the opportunity to talk with representatives of key European institutions about the priorities of the European Union’s long-term budget, its impact on member states and the role of civil society organizations in implementing European policies.
The programme began at the seat of the European Court of Auditors in Luxembourg, where participants spoke with Court member Ivana Maletić about the role of the European Court of Auditors in overseeing the use of European funds and the importance of transparent management of the European Union’s budget.
Particularly valuable was the opportunity to speak with Alejandro Blanco Fernández, who presented the European Court of Auditors Opinion 10/26 on the future Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union. The discussion covered the Court’s recommendations aimed at creating a simpler, more efficient and more resilient European budget capable of responding to new challenges, while preserving transparency and responsible management of public funds.
In Brussels, this was followed by meetings with the representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s Brussels office. With Member of the European Parliament Karlo Ressler, we discussed the priorities of the future European budget, while with Katarina Ivanković Knežević from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, discussions focused on the future of European Social Policies. The visit concluded with meetings with representatives of the Croatian delegation to the European Economic and Social Committee and the Brussels office of the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Some of the organizations also met with Member of European Parliament Gordan Bosanac, shadow rapporteur for the NRPPs.
Gong is one of the Knowledge Centers for Social Development, a development cooperation programme implemented by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development. The knowledge centers bring together civil society organizations recognized for their expertise, experience and long-standing work in areas of particular social interest. Their role is not merely to implement projects, but also to develop and transfer knowledge, to conduct research and analyze public policy, to strengthen the capacity of other civil society organizations and to advocate for better public policies. Through cooperation with national and European institutions, the knowledge centers contribute to the development of democracy, the protection of human rights and the inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes.
As a knowledge center in the field of democratization and civil society development, Gong contributes to discussions on issues of transparency, institutional accountability, citizen participation, and the strengthening of democratic processes through its analyses and experience. The Multiannual Financial Framework determines the European Union’s funding priorities for a seven-year period and directly affects the policies that will be implemented in member states. In addition to investments in the economy, security or climate policy, it also defines the funding opportunities available for civil society organizations, programmes that promote democracy, human rights protection, media freedom and active citizenship.
