The Role of Civil Society in Civilian CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy)
This CSDN Discussion Paper examines how civil society engagement can strengthen the European Union’s civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. Drawing on research, interviews and EPLO’s longstanding work with EU institutions, the paper analyses both the added value and the practical challenges of involving civil society actors in EU crisis management efforts. The […]
Shaping Peace and Security in the Western Balkans
This report presents discussions from a Civil Society Dialogue Network geographic meeting held in Prishtina on 26 November. Organised under the CSDN framework by the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office, the meeting brought together civil society representatives from the six Western Balkan countries alongside EU stakeholders. Participants examined evolving peace and security dynamics in the region and reflected on the relationship between these dynamics and the EU accession process.
Discussions explored a range of challenges affecting stability in the Western Balkans. Participants addressed issues such as unresolved political disputes, weak rule of law, democratic backsliding, and declining trust in institutions. The conversation also considered the influence of disinformation, hybrid threats, and external actors in the region.
The meeting further examined how the EU accession process interacts with peace and security. Participants discussed the role of democratic reforms, conflict resolution, and civil society engagement in the enlargement process, as well as the implications of declining credibility or delays in accession for regional stability.
CSDN Member State Meeting Rome – Building Partnerships to Secure Peace
This meeting report summarises discussions from a Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN) Member State Meeting organised by EPLO in cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting took place on 6 October in Rome […]
The EU’s Role in a Shifting Global Order
This report presents the outcomes of a Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN) policy meeting organised by the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO). The meeting brought together more than 70 civil society representatives and over 20 policymakers from EU institutions and the United Nations to discuss the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda 25 years after UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Discussions focused on the EU’s role in promoting gender equality, inclusive peacebuilding and security in a changing global context.
Participants examined the current challenges affecting the WPS agenda, including increasing militarisation, shrinking civic space and pressures on women’s rights organisations. The discussions reflected on how these dynamics affect peacebuilding and participation in conflict-affected contexts.
The meeting explored policy issues such as funding for women-led organisations, protection for women peacebuilders, and the impact of digital gender-based violence. Regional discussions addressed implementation challenges and priorities for the WPS agenda across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Gender equality in EU external action: Mapping of policies and actors
This background paper examines how gender equality is addressed within the European Union’s external action. It provides an overview of the policies, institutional actors and procedures that shape EU engagement on gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The document reviews key policy frameworks guiding EU action, including the Gender Action Plan III, […]
NGO Roundtable Meeting in Denmark
On 26 March 2025, the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) organised a Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN) NGO-Roundtable meeting in Copenhagen. The meeting brought together around twenty Danish civil society representatives working on peacebuilding to discuss how Danish organisations can influence conflict prevention and peacebuilding policies in relation to the European Union, including during Denmark’s […]
Mapping of actors: The European Union and peacebuilding
This background paper provides an overview of the institutions and actors involved in shaping the European Union’s external action related to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. It was prepared as a resource for participants seeking to understand how EU decision-making structures relate to peace and security policies. The paper explains the roles and responsibilities of key […]
Policy Meeting on European CSOs’ Input to the UN PBAR 2025
This report summarises discussions from a policy meeting held on 20 February under the Civil Society Dialogue Network. The exchange was organised by EPLO in cooperation with the European External Action Service, the EU Delegation to the United Nations, and the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments. The meeting brought together 35 representatives from […]
CSOs’ input to the UN PBAR 2025
This background paper examines the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture Review process and the role of civil society organisations in contributing to it. The review assesses the functioning of the UN peacebuilding architecture and identifies possible adjustments to strengthen its work. The document explains the main components of the UN peacebuilding architecture, including the Peacebuilding Commission, […]
The Role of EU Delegations on peace and security
This background paper examines the role of European Union Delegations in implementing and supporting EU policies related to peace and security. It provides an overview of how EU Delegations operate in partner countries and how they contribute to the EU’s external action. The document explains the origins of EU Delegations following the entry into force […]