Pro bono legal support has been explicitly recognised as a key enabler of a strong and resilient civic space in the newly published EU Strategy for Civil Society. This marks an important moment for organisations like Pro Publico, which work at the intersection of civil society and professional expertise.
The Strategy highlights the central role civil society organisations play in democratic life across Europe and acknowledges the importance of structured pro bono networks in supporting them. In this context, PILnet is cited as a leading example, reflecting the growing recognition of coordinated pro bono efforts at European level. Pro Publico is proud to be part of the European Pro Bono Alliance, convened by PILnet, which brings together clearing houses and pro bono intermediaries working to strengthen access to legal and policy expertise for civil society.
Importantly, the Strategy moves beyond a narrow understanding of pro bono as limited to compliance or risk management. It recognises that lawyers and public affairs professionals can contribute directly to civil society missions through advocacy research, capacity building, and strategic litigation. It also explicitly acknowledges the role of pro bono legal support in helping organisations respond to threats such as smear campaigns and SLAPPs, including through representation before courts and targeted legal advice.
In a significant signal of political support for the pro bono ecosystem, the European Commission commits in the Strategy to “work to connect communities of pro bono lawyers with CSOs across sectors and in need of support.” This commitment provides an important framework for strengthening collaboration between legal professionals and civil society organisations across Europe.
Francesco Zatelli, co-founder and managing director of Pro Publico, commented: “This recognition by the EU is a powerful reminder that access to professional expertise is not a luxury but a necessity for civil society organisations striving to create meaningful social impact. At Pro Publico, we see daily how targeted legal and public affairs support allows NGOs and social innovators to scale their work to make this world a better place for everyone!”
At a time when civic space is under pressure in many parts of Europe and beyond, the EU Strategy sends a clear message: civil society cannot stand alone. Strong alliances, supportive policies, and access to professional expertise (including legal expertise) are essential for organisations working in the public interest to thrive.