Global Europe: EU launches a global €1.5 billion programme to support civil society organisations

The Commission has adopted the Global Europe Civil Society Organisations program worth €1.5 billion for the period 2021–2027. Funding will specifically support civil society organizations outside of the EU, as independent actors of governance and development in their own right and their engagement to contribute to inclusive and participatory democratic processes and better development outcomes.

Civil society organizations are vital to the attainment of human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and stability. They help devise and implement external EU policies and programs so that they meet people’s needs, reduce inequalities, and fulfill the central commitment of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: “Civil society organizations play an essential role in protecting human rights, exposing their violations, and demanding action from governments to protect their citizens. Sadly, their work is under threat in many parts of the world. We are not just aware of the challenges they face, we are listening and we are taking action. This new program is proof that we will support and stand by their courageous daily work.”

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “The €1.5 billion Global Europe Civil Society Organisations program will strengthen the voice and role of civil society, and bring to light the concerns of local communities, especially youth, women, and vulnerable people. Civil society organizations are unique partners in their capacity to reach, empower, represent and defend local populations – they are the engines of change, the ones on the frontlines, fighting for equality and justice.”

Global Europe Civil Society Organisations

The Global Europe Civil Society Organisations program will provide targeted support, strengthen capacities, increase their participation in policy dialogue in partner countries, and contribute to an enabling environment for their work.

• Priority area 1: €1.33 billion to support an inclusive, participatory, empowered, and independent civil society and democratic space in partner countries, and inclusive and open dialogue with and between civil society organizations.

Future actions include country-specific strategies (“Roadmaps for Engagement with Civil Society Organisations”), Financial Framework Partnership Agreements, cooperation with foundations, and enhancing the Policy Forum for Development, the EU’s main forum for global dialogue with civil society organizations. Additionally, and in complementarity with the Global Europe Human Rights and Democracy program, the EU will develop a new global initiative to monitor all aspects of an enabling environment for civil society, set off early warnings in case of shrinking space for civil society, and provide flexible short and long-term support.

• Priority area 2: €151 million to continue the Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) program. The program promotes a better-informed and more inclusive society and aims to increase and strengthen EU citizens’ knowledge, skills, and opportunities in promoting sustainable development and in addressing global challenges such as inequalities and ecological crises at local and global levels.