14/12/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday, 14 December, the European Commission adopted the ‘Global Europe Civil Society Organisations’ programme—worth €1.5 billion for the 2021–2027 period. This funding will specifically support civil society organisations outside the European Union. The vast majority of the funds (€1.33 billion) will support “an inclusive, participatory, empowered, and independent civil society and democratic space in partner countries, and an inclusive and open dialogue with and between civil society organisations”. The EU will develop a new global initiative to monitor all aspects of an enabling environment for civil society, sound early warnings in the event of shrinking space for civil society, and provide flexible short- and long-term support. The remaining €151 million will help continue the Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) programme. (CG)