Alzheimer Europe has joined over 250 civil society organisations in signing an open letter coordinated by Civil Society Eu-rope, calling for the European Commission to reverse its decision to withdraw the European Cross-Border Associations (EC-BA) Directive.
The legislation would have allowed civil society organisations with members across Europe to be recognised and allowed to operate in all Member States. This would have promoted the creation of new associations, new jobs and stimulated GDP growth, whilst also strengthening the competitiveness of Europe, as well as supporting a sector that provides critical social services.
The open letter notes that as discussions in the Council were taking place and after the European Parliament voted strongly in favour of the proposal, the Commission proposed to remove the Directive in their 2026 work programme, despite no public call for its withdrawal having been made, and this not being among the options considered by the Council.
The letter further highlights the potential benefits of civil society organisations being recognised by ECBA legislation, includ-ing Cross-border civil protection units, mobile care units in cross-border regions, cross-country festivals and cultural events, common management and preservation of shared ecosystems and communities gathering patients treating rare diseases etc.
The letter has been sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné.
The full open letter is available at: https://civilsocietyeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Open-Letter-Stop-the-ECBA-Withdrawal.pdf
