Civil Society Consultations in Partner Countries - 2024 report

This report presents the findings of the annual survey on EU Delegations’ consultation and dialogue with civil society in partner countries. Based on responses from 102 EU Delegations, it offers both quantitative and qualitative insights into consultation and dialogue practices, tracing trends over four consecutive years.

Compared to last year, the data reveal continuity alongside notable shifts. While consultations remain near-universal—99 Delegations consulted civil society in at least one thematic or programmatic area—the composition of actors has evolved. Local CSOs remain approximately 80% of the total of CSO consulted, but community-based and grassroots organisations now account for 31% of consultations (down from 50% in 2023), while participation by private-sector-linked organisations rose sharply to 20% (up from 7%). Youth organisations increased to 18% (from 13%), and women’s rights groups held steady at 15%. These changes reflect a growing diversity of voices and a gradual move towards more inclusive and multi-stakeholder approaches.

Thematically, engagement spans a broad spectrum, from governance and human rights to climate, digitalisation, and investment-related issues, signalling alignment with the EU’s evolving priorities under the Global Gateway and NDICI–Global Europe. Structured Dialogue formats, though still modest, show incremental growth, and practices such as joint agenda-setting and feedback provision continue to improve, pointing to a positive trajectory towards more systematic and co-creative consultation.