Members of Eurodiaconia’s Funding Network gathered in Brussels on 14 November to discuss prospects for collaboration in transnational initiatives and projects and their insights on what funding for a more social Europe should be for the next EU multi-annual financial framework. Eurodiaconia members from Latvia, Finland, Spain, France, Serbia, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary actively participated.
Speakers from Diakonie Deutschland and Diaconía España presented good practices in fundraising including on accessing EU funds at the national or country level. Dr. Evelyn Moeck and Andreas Bartels shared the unity of faith-based social welfare organisations in Germany in working with each other in ensuring their voices in federal social fund policies and programmes. Fatima Ezzamouri El Arif mentioned the success stories but also the challenges of Diaconía España in fundraising where large groups or people gather or are organised and adjusting their fundraising campaigns accordingly.
During the afternoon session, speakers from the European Commission’s DG EMPL and DG Home discussed the funding programmes ESF+ and AMIF, respectively. Michael Grosse of the Social Innovation Unit presented the work programme and funding opportunities for the next two years and encouraged participants to join the Communities of Practice in Social Innovation. Guido Castellano explained the priorities of the AMIF programme and its two strands and how to apply for funding under these mechanisms.
Their expertise and experience in social service provision and advocating social justice resulted in concrete and inclusive recommendations for the next EU budget on the themes of migrant integration and inclusion, material support and crisis preparedness.
What stood out most, however, were the candid stories from the attendees themselves. Members shared lessons learned—the setbacks that taught resilience and the breakthroughs that fuelled hope. The message was clear: in a world where the need for social services is rapidly increasing, the path forward lies in working together.
Connecting faith and social justice through action
