Why the Action Plan matters 

The EEAS is currently preparing its next Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan, which will guide the EU’s external action on human rights, democracy, and support for civil society in the coming years. At a time when civic space is shrinking, authoritarian tendencies are on the rise, and human rights defenders face increasing risks, the new Action Plan will help shape how the EU responds to these global challenges. 

Global Responsibility contributes to this process to ensure that the experiences and expertise of civil society organizations (CSOs) are reflected in the EU’s future human rights agenda. 

Bringing civil society perspectives to the consultation 

Global Responsibility has been engaged in the consultation on the new EU Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan through its membership in CONCORD and ongoing exchanges with the EEAS. This has included a written submission, an in-person meeting in Brussels in January 2026, and participation in a hybrid EEAS consultation on 2 July 2026 with CSOs from Europe and from countries in the Global South, where we also presented our recommendations directly. 

Our policy recommendations 

Our contribution focused on ensuring that the next Action Plan responds more effectively to the realities faced by civil society around the world. 

  • First, we call for the safeguarding of civic space and an enabling environment for civil society to become a central pillar of the Action Plan: “The EU should use its full toolbox to prevent, detect, and respond to democratic backsliding, restrictive legislation, attacks on civil society, disinformation, misinformation, and anti-democratic narratives, particularly online”. 
  • Second, we stress that human rights defenders need stronger and more practical protection. This includes more systematic use of EU diplomatic tools and accessible rapid-response mechanisms, particularly for women human rights defenders and those facing transnational repression. 
  • Third, we emphasize that civil society participation should be institutionalized. Consultation processes should be safe, structured, and adequately resourced, while CSOs should be recognized not only as stakeholders but also as implementation partners. Advocacy should be explicitly recognized as a legitimate and fundable activity under EU funding instruments. 
  • Finally, we highlight that the EU’s funding must match its ambitions. The next Global Europe Instrument should provide more direct, flexible, long-term, and core funding for CSOs, particularly local organizations operating in restrictive environments. Human rights safeguards should also be consistently integrated across the EU’s external action, including Global Gateway, trade, and international partnerships. 

In addition, we call for a stronger intersectional approach throughout the Action Plan, including enhanced support for women’s rights, LGBTIQ+ organizations, disability rights, and other marginalized groups, as well as stronger coordination and accountability across EU institutions and Member States. 

Looking ahead 

The consultation on the new EU Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan is an important opportunity to strengthen the EU’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and civic space worldwide. Global Responsibility will continue to engage through CONCORD and its European partnerships to ensure that civil society perspectives remain at the heart of the EU’s external action and that the final Action Plan translates political commitments into meaningful action. 

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Links 

These recommendations have been published as part of