E.U. launches € 1.5 billion Global Europe Civil Society Organisations programme to support civil society organisations
The European Commission has launched Global Europe Civil Society Organisations programme worth € 1.5 billion, to support civil society organisations, outside the European Union (E.U.), contribute to inclusive and participatory democratic processes and better development outcomes.
Civil society organisations are key to upholding of the human rights, the rule of law, democracy and stability. They help devise and implement external E.U. policies and programmes so that they meet people’s needs, reduce inequalities and fulfil the central commitment of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.
The Global Europe Civil Society Organisations programme will provide targeted support, strengthen capacities, increase their participation in policy dialogue in partner countries and contribute to an enabling environment for their work.
The programme will engage with civil society actors, including youth, women’s, grass-root civil society organisations, trade unions, employers’ organisations, cooperatives, business and consumer organisations, rural, faith-based, community-based, environmental, LGBTIQ, minority organisations, indigenous peoples’ organisations, organisations of people living with disability, cultural organisations and foundations.
Speaking on the occasion, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, E.U. – Josep Borrell Fontelles said, “Civil society organisations 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 programme is proof that we will support and stand by their courageous daily work.”
Taking it to twitter, European Commission tweeted,
The funds would be used for the period 2021 to 2027. Of the total funds, € 1.33 billion would be used to support an inclusive, participatory, empowered and independent civil society and democratic space in partner countries, and an inclusive and open dialogue with and between civil society organisations.
The programme will also include country-specific strategies, Financial Framework Partnership Agreements, co-operation with foundations. It will be enhancing the Policy Forum for Development, the EU’s main forum for global dialogue with civil society organisations.
A sum of € 151 million will be dedicated to Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) Programme. The programme promotes a better-informed and more inclusive society and aims to increase and strengthen E.U. citizens’ knowledge, skills and opportunities in promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as inequalities and ecological crises at local and global level.
During the period 2014–2019, the E.U. supported development cooperation actions by civil society organisations with a fund of € 7.5 billion. While 47% of the funding came from geographic programmes, 27% came from the Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities (CSO-LA) programme and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).
