The Capacity Building Working Group of the European Network for Citizen Initiatives in Global Solidarity (ENfCIGS) recently came together for an energetic and reflective session on decolonization—a theme that continues to gain relevance across European civil society. Representatives from more than ten countries shared experiences, challenges, and emerging practices on how organisations can more consciously shift power and work towards more equitable partnerships.
The meeting opened on a hopeful note, with participants reflecting on the sources of optimism that guide their work: community engagement, nature, solidarity in everyday life, and signs of positive change within their organisations. This grounding exercise helped set the tone for a conversation that was both honest and forward‑looking.
Decolonization Across Different European Contexts
A central contribution came from Fingo (Finland), which shared insights from three years of internal transformation. Their approach focuses on shifting power in partnerships, revising communication practices, and dismantling structural barriers that reinforce inequality. Fingo described decolonization as a deliberate, long‑term process of redistributing power among NGOs, funders, and communities in the Global South.
Other organisations illustrated how decolonization takes different forms depending on national contexts.
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- In Catalonia, Lafede conducted an anti‑racist review across its network of more than 130 organisations, revealing a persistent gap between values and practice—and the ongoing need for training and guided transformation.
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- In Belgium, practitioners emphasised practical tools for discussing power with partners, avoiding overly abstract debates and instead focusing on concrete steps towards fairer collaboration.
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- From Poland, participants highlighted that the concept of decolonization is often linked to experiences of Soviet domination rather than global justice frameworks, requiring careful translation when working in international solidarity.
Research and Practice Come Together
Academic perspectives added nuance to the discussion. Research from Radboud University raised concerns about the risk of “performative decolonization,” where organisations adopt the language of decolonization without changing underlying power structures. This sparked a rich dialogue on how to ensure that organisational change remains meaningful rather than symbolic.
Other contributions highlighted how decolonization is influencing fields such as development education, leadership training, and participatory grantmaking. Organisations from Germany, the Netherlands, and France shared how they are revising learning materials, involving local experts more fully, and shifting organisational structures to decentralise leadership.
A Shared Commitment to Long‑Term Change
Across all contributions, a common theme emerged: decolonization is not a project, but an ongoing organisational journey. It requires openness, humility, and a willingness to question long‑standing habits. Participants agreed that while they face different national realities, they share a European responsibility to rethink how solidarity is practiced—especially when working with partners in the Global South.
The session concluded with enthusiasm for continuing the exchange, deepening shared learning, and supporting each other in navigating the complexities of structural change. The Working Group will meet again later this year to explore how organisations can strengthen their capacity to navigate polarising narratives.