This CSDN Country Briefing Paper brings together insights from civil society actors and EU stakeholders to explore how the European Union is engaging in Sudan today, and what could be strengthened moving forward.
Drawing on interviews conducted in early 2026, the publication looks at how the conflict has reshaped the country’s civic space, deepening fragmentation and limiting the ability of civil society to engage in political and peace processes. It highlights the challenges faced by Sudanese organisations, from security constraints and access barriers to questions of representation and coordination.
The paper also reflects on how the EU is perceived in this context, both as a humanitarian donor and as a diplomatic actor, and where its engagement is seen as effective, but also where important gaps remain.
At a time when responses are largely centred on emergency assistance, the publication points to the need for a more integrated approach, looking at how humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts can work in parallel, and what this means in practice for EU engagement across Sudan’s diverse conflict realities.
Read the paper to explore civil society perspectives and recommendations for a more effective EU role in Sudan.
