Strengthening Civil Society Engagement in EU Global Action

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As the EU faces geopolitical tensions, climate crisis, and growing global inequality, civil society organisations from across Europe are working to ensure that EU global policy remains fair, inclusive and sustainable.

Towards an Open, Fair and Sustainable EU brings together partners from Denmark, Poland and Cyprus, alongside CONCORD Europe, to strengthen civil society’s role in shaping EU external action. The EU-funded initiative spans the Polish, Danish and Cypriot EU Presidencies and aims to ensure that civil society voices are not sidelined in debates on development, partnerships, and global cooperation.

During the Danish EU Presidency, Global Focus coordinated the initiative at national level, working closely with Grupa Zagranica (Poland), CARDET (Cyprus) and CONCORD Europe. In a political climate marked by shrinking civic space and uncertainty, the focus was on helping civil society organisations better understand EU processes and engage more effectively.

Global Focus brought Danish organisations together in a working group, organised workshops and policy discussions, and facilitated regular exchanges. A three-day study trip to Brussels gave 15 organisations the chance to meet directly with MEPs, EU officials, think tanks and civil society networks. Discussions covered issues such as Global Gateway, development financing, and civic space, turning complex EU structures into concrete advocacy opportunities.

Two major conferences kept rights-based approaches and equal partnerships on the agenda. “Together for Global Climate Action Towards COP30”, organised with CAN Europe and the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, explored inclusive climate governance ahead of COP30. “Building Partnerships of Purpose”, organised with Think Tank Europa, The Danish Foreign Policy Society and DIIS – Danish Institute for International Studies, focused on the future of EU international partnerships and the importance of locally led development and mutual accountability.

To support these discussions, Global Focus commissioned a report on Danish funding approaches to humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) work and localisation, launched in partnership with VOICE, the EU humanitarian platform.

The initiative also connected European and African civil society through the Africa–Europe Civil Society Engagement Platform, contributing recommendations ahead of the AU–EU Summit on civic space, localisation and meaningful participation.

With the Danish Presidency concluded, leadership has passed to CARDET for the Cypriot Presidency. Partners remain committed to ensuring that civil society continues to shape a more open, fair and sustainable EU global policy.