Introducing EU Voices: a new project supporting EU citizens in the UK

The project is co-funded by the European Union and delivered by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini and the3million. It reflects a shared commitment to protecting citizens' rights, supporting civil society, and strengthening people-to-people connections between the EU and the UK.

"EU citizens in the UK help build vital bridges between the EU and UK. They are essential to our relationship. The EU is therefore committed to supporting EU citizens' organisations in the UK.

The new EU Voices project will help strengthen the capacity of these organisations to conduct their advocacy tasks in support of EU citizens rights, as well as promote European cultures and languages. All this will further contribute to enhance EU citizens civic participation and to achieve their successful integration in the UK." -

EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano

The grant recipients

EUD

Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (FGB) is a research and policy organisation based in Italy, with long-standing experience working on social inclusion, labour rights, equality, and civic participation across Europe. FGB leads the project, bringing expertise in project management, capacity building, research, and supporting civil society organisations to grow and become more sustainable.

"Supporting civil society means investing in people, skills and long-term sustainability. With EU Voices, FGB is committed to helping organisations working with EU citizens in the UK grow stronger, more confident and better equipped to engage in democratic life. Stronger organisations lead to stronger communities, and stronger communities build a more inclusive society." Barbara De Micheli, Coordinator of FGB Social Justice Area

the3million is the largest grassroots organisation of EU citizens in the UK. It has played a key role in defending the rights of EU citizens since Brexit, working closely with communities, civil society groups, and policymakers. As a core partner in EU Voices, the3million brings deep knowledge of the realities faced by EU citizens, strong links with grassroots organisations across the country and an expertise in community organising, policy and advocacy.

"EU Voices is about making sure EU citizens in the UK are not only supported, but heard. By investing in community organisations and local networks, we are helping people turn shared experiences into collective strength and lasting change. We are grateful to the EU for recognising the importance of our communities in the UK." Andreea Dumitrache, CEO of the3million

Together, FGB and the3million combine policy expertise with lived experience, ensuring that EU Voices is grounded in the needs of communities and focused on creating practical, long-lasting impact.

EUD

Project aims

EU Voices works will work with civil society organisations, grassroots and community groups, and EU citizens across the UK to:

• Strengthen community organisations through training, mentoring, and small grants
• Encourage civic participation, including dialogue with local communities and democratic engagement
• Build stronger networks between EU citizens, British communities, and decision-makers
• Support long-term sustainability, so organisations can continue their work beyond the project

By bringing people together and sharing skills, EU Voices will help EU citizens feel more informed, confident, and connected to their communities.

Building strong community organisations

EU Voices supports grassroots organisations that work directly with EU citizens, helping them grow stronger, more sustainable, and more connected.

Five non-profit organisations will receive €20,000 in grant funding over two years, through an open application process. Grants are aimed for small civil society organisations who support EU citizens in the UK, are rooted in their communities and led by people with lived experience.

Alongside the grants, organisations will take part in a capacity-building programme focused on support in fundraising, communications and media, community organising and anti-oppression, racial justice and co-liberatory engagement, as well as benefiting from a EU learning exchange visit to Brussels, creating direct links to EU institutions and networks.

EU Voices will also deliver events and resources that are open to the wider network of civil society organisations, on the same themes.

Community organising and local engagement

Community organising is at the heart of EU Voices. The project works directly with people in their local areas to encourage participation, build trust, and bring communities together.

The programme includes outreach sessions across the UK, engagement activities at EU citizens' cultural events, democratic participation workshops, and World Cafes bringing EU citizens and British residents together to discuss shared local issues.

These activities help strengthen community ties, promote understanding, and ensure that grassroots concerns shape wider advocacy work.

Advocacy and communications

EU Voices helps turn community experience into clear messages that reach decision-makers and the wider public.

The project includes delivering policy-focused webinars delivering information on rights to EU citizens, advocacy reports sharing insights from communities, and communications activities that support coordinated action.

By strengthening communication and advocacy, EU Voices aims to support EU citizens' organisations to amplify their voices and engage more effectively at local, national, and EU level.