EU engagement with Civil Society and Roadmaps

The EU recognises the importance of a vibrant civil society for its role in governance and development and as a catalyst for involving all segments of society leaving no one behind. This acknowledgement is central to the EU's external relations and international cooperation, where a core objective is to actively promote and strengthen civil society’s participation in shaping, carrying out, and overseeing public policies.

In this context, the EU places a strong emphasis on engaging with local civil society organisations (CSOs), particularly through dialogue and consultations. Listening to local CSOs is crucial for safeguarding and advancing shared democratic values in EU partner countries. This approach aims to empower CSOs as independent, empowered, inclusive actors, moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient relationship. Involving CSOs in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and programmes also helps enhance the effectiveness and accountability of EU cooperation.

Consultations and Dialogue with Civil Society at National Level 

EU Delegations in partner countries worldwide play a critical role in translating policy into action. They do this through EU programmes and by establishing regular consultations with civil society in partner countries.

Across the globe, EU Delegations have seen positive impacts from their discussions with civil society organisations (CSOs). These interactions are increasingly valued for their role in informing and shaping EU policy decisions and strategies. The consultations have influenced EU policies and approaches in partner countries and shaped EU funding decisions. They have also helped to influence partner government’s policies and improved interactions between these governments and CSOs. Furthermore, these talks have helped to strengthen the abilities, sustainability, and networking efforts of CSOs.

Recent surveys conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023 indicate a positive trend in improving the quality, breadth, and depth of consultations and dialogue with CSOs, with almost all EU Delegations actively engaged. Lessons from these practices point to the need to continue learning and improving, as there is no universal solution to consultations and dialogue. EU Delegations should customise their engagement strategies with CSOs to align with local contexts and priorities, considering factors like civic space, CSO actors and capacities, and available resources.

Inclusiveness and the inclusion of local voices are paramount. Expanding consultations to include underrepresented groups, such as community-based organisations, youth, and women's groups, private sector associations and labour unions, especially within Global Gateway initiatives, is essential for creating policies that truly meet community needs. 

Enhancing and optimising the Structured Dialogue approach is critical. This method should be implemented strategically in favourable settings while being supplemented with flexible and regular consultations. Such a balanced approach accommodates the dynamic nature of EU-civil society relationships and ensures sustained, impactful, and purposeful engagement.

Finally, addressing capacity and resource obstacles is crucial to yield more impactful outcomes from consultations and dialogue. Practical support mechanisms and guidance for EU Delegations are essential, together with spaces for peer learning and networking, and continued investment in strengthening local CSOs to engage effectively in dialogue.

A guidance note "The shift towards structured dialogue with CSOs at country level" was developed by in 2020.