Denmark’s EU Presidency: Strengthening civil society’s voice in EU’s global engagement
Reflections and highlights from the Danish leg of the European Presidency Project (July 2025 – January 2026)
As Denmark prepares to hand over the EU Council presidency to Cyprus, Global Focus looks back on a presidency term shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shrinking civic space, and an urgent need for more inclusive and rights-based international cooperation.
Through the joint initiative Towards an Open, Fair and Sustainable EU, carried out by Global Focus,
CONCORD Europe, Grupa Zagranica (Poland) and CARDET (Cyprus), we have worked to strengthen civil society’s ability to engage with the EU’s global role at a time when development policy is shifting
rapidly.
Our aim throughout the presidency has been consistent: to ensure that civil society perspectives remain visible, relevant, and connected to the broader debates on Europe’s role in the world.
Building a shared understanding: from kick-off to Brussels study trip
In the lead-up to the presidency, Global Focus gathered Danish civil society organisations through a dedicated working group. Throughout the year, we organised workshops, produced analyses and
facilitated regular exchanges to strengthen the understanding of EU processes and build momentum around shared priorities.
This included a three-day study trip to Brussels, where 15 member organisations engaged directly with MEPs, EU officials, think tanks and civil society networks. From conversations on Global Gateway
and development financing to debates on shrinking civic space, the visit strengthened members’ understanding of EU decision-making and identified key opportunities for civil society engagement
during the presidency.
Keeping rights, partnerships and climate on the agenda
Throughout the Danish presidency, Global Focus hosted a series of high-level and multistakeholder events aimed at creating new alliances and ensuring that equal partnerships and rights-based approaches remained part of the conversation.
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Together for Global Climate Action Towards COP30
This conference convened civil society, government officials, business actors and UN representatives to explore how climate action can be strengthened through inclusive, rights- based approaches ahead of COP30. -
Building Partnerships of Purpose
With a broad group of partners, Global Focus facilitated a multi stakeholder discussion on the future of EU’s international partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape. The conference emphasised the importance of locally led development, long-term cooperation and mutual accountability.
New report on funding, nexus and localisation
To support evidence-based discussions during the presidency, Global Focus commissioned a report examining Danish funding modalities for humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) approaches and
localisation. The report was launched at a roundtable in partnership with VOICE and is intended to
inform both Danish and EU-level debates on how funding systems can better support local leadership
and resilience in fragile contexts. You can access the report here.
Supporting civil society engagement across Europe and Africa
A core ambition throughout the Danish presidency has been to ensure that civil society perspectives from the Global South are reflected in EU debates. As part of the Africa–Europe Civil Society Engagement Platform, Global Focus contributed actively to the development of shared positions ahead of the upcoming AU–EU Summit.
Working with partners across both continents, we shaped recommendations on:
• safeguarding civic space in AU–EU cooperation,
• strengthening localisation and long-term partnership models,
• incorporating rights-based approaches into the Global Gateway framework, and
• securing meaningful participation of African civil society in EU decision-making processes.
By engaging in this work, Global Focus helped link Danish civil society to a broader continental
conversation on the future of AU–EU relations. A conversation that will continue to grow in importance
as the geopolitical landscape shifts and expectations for fairer, more equal partnerships rise.
Looking ahead
As the Danish presidency concludes, we hand over the baton to CARDET and the upcoming Cypriot
presidency. The past six months have shown how valuable it is when civil society organisations mobilise, coordinate across borders, and speak with a clear, common and evidence-based voice. That work will continue.
Global Focus remains committed to strengthening civil society engagement in EU external action. We will keep convening stakeholders, supporting Danish CSOs in navigating EU processes, and contributing to joint European advocacy through the partners in the EUPP5 project.
CARDET Appointed National Coordinator for Key EU Presidency Project in Cyprus
Exciting developments are underway for Cyprus and CARDET in the field of international cooperation and sustainable development.
CARDET, a leading independent research and development organization focused on education, innovation, information technology, and social justice, and the official National Coordinator of the CONCORD network in Cyprus, is proud to announce its appointment as the National Coordinator for the EU Presidency Project (EUPP). This significant milestone marks a new chapter in Cyprus’s engagement with European civil society and global development efforts.
The EU Presidency Project is a European Commission-funded initiative strategically aligned with the Presidency Trio of the Council of the European Union: Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus. It is jointly implemented by the national NGO platforms Grupa Zagranica (Poland), Global Focus (Denmark), and CARDET (Cyprus), in close collaboration with CONCORD Europe, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation.
The project seeks to strengthen civil society’s voice and role in shaping EU policies on development cooperation, with a strong emphasis on policy coherence, solidarity, and sustainability. As part of this dynamic consortium, CARDET will coordinate national efforts and civil society engagement in Cyprus in the lead-up to the country’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.
In this new and vital role, CARDET will:
- Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in Cyprus on EU development priorities.
- Lead national promoting efforts to ensure coherent and impactful development policies.
- Support joint initiatives across the Presidency Trio to amplify civil society’s role at the EU level.
- Contribute to shaping a forward-looking and inclusive agenda for the EU Presidency in 2026.
As the EU prepares for future leadership transitions, the involvement of civil society is essential in promoting an open, fair, and sustainable Europe in the world. CARDET is committed to ensuring Cyprus contributes meaningfully to this vision by leading national coordination and amplifying local voices in European discourse.
Key Events and other Initiatives (January-July 2026):
During the EU Presidency the following events and other key initiatives will be organized:
Launch Conference to present the EUPP5 agenda and foster partnerships
- The Launch Conference will mark the start of the Cyprus Presidency, presenting the EUPP5 agenda, key themes, objectives, and action plan to policy-makers, stakeholders, CSOs, and the media. Featuring thematic speeches, discussions, and a networking session, it will foster collaboration and partnerships with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and an equitable future.
23 January 2026 | Venue: Presidential Palace
- Capacity-Building Workshops on Civic Space and the Just Transition
CARDET will host capacity-building workshops for CSOs and key stakeholders in Cyprus, focusing on Civic Space and the Just Transition. The sessions will strengthen participants’ knowledge of EU policies and priorities while equipping them to design impactful actions, engage stakeholders, and support citizens effectively.
February 2026 – May 2026 | Venue: CARDET Premises
- Brussels Study Visits for Cypriot CSOs to engage with EU institutions
CARDET will organise two study visits to Brussels, enabling Cypriot CSOs to connect with EU institutions and partner organisations. These visits will enhance participants’ knowledge of EU policies and actions in Sustainable Development and International Cooperation.
Study Visit Dates: 2-4 February 2026 & 17–19 March 2026
- Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference for regional SDG collaboration
A two-day Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference will bring together organisations from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East to advance collaboration on the 2030 Agenda. Focused on the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities—Civic Space, Global Climate Justice, and Financing the Future—the event will feature keynote speeches, expert presentations, thematic workshops, and networking sessions.
23-24 April 2026 | Venue: University of Nicosia
- Open Dialogue Meetings
Open Dialogue Meetings and events will be organised to bring together CSOs, political representatives, and key stakeholders for dialogue on sustainable development. These consultations and roundtable discussions will promote the exchange of views and support the priorities of the Presidency Project.
December 2025 to July 2026
- Small Grants Scheme to support CSO-led training and awareness initiatives
The Scheme, managed by CARDET, will be launched to empower CSOs in Cyprus to lead awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the Cypriot Presidency’s priorities. Will fund campaigns and training that engage stakeholders, policymakers, media, and the public to strengthen understanding and participation in development cooperation.
December 2025 to July 2026
- Policy Papers on digital democracy and green skills
Policy papers will explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital democracy and green skills. They will provide structured recommendations to stakeholders and decision-makers at both national and European levels.
January 2026 to April 2026
To learn more about the EUPP5, please visit: https://cardet.org/eupp5/
The project “Towards an open, fair and sustainable Europe in the world – EU Presidency Project 2024-2026” is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Global Focus, Grupa Zagranica, CARDET, and CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. Project Number: 2024 / 459-484. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CARDET and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.