European Union Policies Towards MENA Civil Society

This chapter covers how researchers have evaluated EU support for civil society in the MENA region. It explores how this support aligns with broader EU regional policies; it examines its various forms and mechanisms, and it identifies which groups receive or are excluded from this support. We critically discuss the impact of democracy aid on organizations and examine how the EU interacts with civil society beyond financial support. We also scrutinize the broader political impact – intended and unintended – of EU civil society support. In so doing, we examine changes and continuities following the Arab uprisings, drawing on examples from several MENA states.