On June 17–18, Gaja Šavelė, Head of the National NGO Coalition, participated in the General Assembly of the European Civic Forum (ECF) in Warsaw. The event brought together ECF members and partners from across Europe to discuss the network’s achievements, strategic directions, and ways to strengthen collaboration among civil society organizations.

During the assembly, G. Šavelė was elected to the ECF Board of Directors for a three-year term. This marks a significant step in representing Lithuanian civil society at the international level. Congratulations to Gaja, and we wish her meaningful and productive work!

In addition to the board elections, the assembly approved the annual report, covering a crucial period in European and global contexts; adopted updated ECF statutes, better reflecting the network’s mission and operational principles and welcomed eight new member organizations from Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania, Spain, Czechia, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

The event also featured the international conference “Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe in the Face of Polycrises”, focusing on civil society’s role in upholding democratic values and the rule of law in times of overlapping crises.

Participation in this event was part of the project “Strategic Advocacy and Inclusion: Strengthening National Umbrella NGOs”, funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania.