This policy analysis aims to examine the extent to which the civil society organizations are formally recognized as actors within the legal framework governing the relations between the EU and candidate countries. It further explores the CSOs engagement in the newly introduced political initiatives and their attempts to advocate for more leverage at the EU level. The analysis is structured around three key dimensions of civil society engagement.

The first assesses the extent to which cooperation with civil society has been institutionalized within the legal frameworks governing EU relations with the enlargement countries. The second examines the CSOs participation in reform agenda shaping and monitoring under the Growth Plan. The third dimension examines how CSOs use transnational networks and advocacy to secure astronger role at EU level in the MFF 2028-2034, as the space for civil society at national level shrinks. Overall, although the EU now recognises civil society as a key partner in the enlargement process, this recognition will remain largely symbolic unless it is anchored in institutionalised consultation mechanisms and dedicated, predictable funding that make civil society an effective actor in shaping and monitoring accession-related reforms.