As part of Denmark’s upcoming EU Presidency, Global Focus brought together 15 representatives from Danish civil society organisations for a study trip to Brussels. Over the course of three days, the delegation engaged with EU institutions, policymakers, and civil society networks to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving EU development agenda, political priorities, and opportunities for civil society to influence decision-making.
With geopolitical interests, economic competition, and security concerns shaping EU external action, civil society faces growing challenges—but also critical opportunities to push for human rights, sustainability, and civic space in EU policymaking.
Development policy: The shift towards geopolitical & economic interests
At ECDPM, discussions focused on the changing nature of EU external action, particularly the transition away from traditional development cooperation towards a geopolitical and investment-driven approach. The Global Gateway initiative, positioned as the EU’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and growing external influence in Africa and beyond, was a key topic. While the strategy promotes infrastructure investments, questions remain about how it ensures local ownership, long-term sustainability, and alignment with human rights
principles.
CONCORD Europe contributed with key insights into the role of civil society in shaping EU development policy, emphasizing that shrinking civic space and shifting funding priorities pose significant challenges for advocacy efforts.
Political engagement: Insights from Members of Parliament
The delegation met with several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to discuss the future of EU development policy and civil society’s role in influencing legislative processes.
- Barry Andrews (Renew, Ireland), Chair of the Development Committee (DEVE), expressed skepticism
about the Global Gateway initiative, describing it as a rebranding of existing funds rather than a fundamentally new approach to development. He emphasized that civil society must engage in
reframing the debate around EU external action, particularly in an era where private sector investments and security concerns are increasingly prioritized. - Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (The Greens, Denmark) highlighted shifts in the European Parliament’s
political alliances, particularly within climate and gender equality policies. She stressed the importance of strategic advocacy efforts to ensure that sustainability remains a priority in the next EU cycle. - Kristoffer Storm (ECR, Denmark) provided a perspective on EU-Africa relations, arguing that
investment and business development should take precedence over traditional aid, while still
recognizing that civil society plays a role in fostering local partnerships and accountability.
Development financing & civic space under pressure
At EURODAD, discussions centered on the growing role of private finance in EU development cooperation. While private sector engagement is seen as essential for mobilizing additional resources, civil society organizations must ensure that financing mechanisms remain transparent, accountable, and do not undermine democratic ownership.
Similarly, CAN Europe emphasized the urgent need to safeguard EU climate ambitions in external action. With climate policies increasingly deprioritized in favor of defense, trade, and migration, civil society must remain engaged to push for ambitious commitments ahead of COP30.
Over the coming months, Global Focus and its members will continue working to strengthen civil society’s influence in EU policy debates, ensuring that development cooperation remains inclusive, rights-based, and driven by long-term sustainability rather than short-term geopolitical interests.