EUDA engagement with civil society
Civil society plays a key role in shaping policy, providing social and community services, highlighting important issues, and giving a voice to diverse groups, including people in vulnerable situations. In this context, the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) is strengthening its cooperation with civil society by working more closely with civil society organisations (CSOs) through consultation, information exchange and shared expertise.
The EU Strategy for Civil Society, released in November 2025, promotes open civic space, meaningful participation, and decision‑making informed by evidence and lived experience. In this context, the EUDA will put these principles into practice through structured dialogue and knowledge‑sharing with CSOs active in the drugs field.
This page explains how the EUDA works with civil society and introduces the EUDA civil society platform on drugs, our dedicated online space for collaboration with CSOs. You can also find here information on eligibility and how to register.
Background
As set out in article 55 of the EUDA’s Founding Regulation, we work closely with CSOs. Their knowledge, experience and first-hand insight are essential for understanding drug‑related issues and how they affect people in real life. CSOs operating at local, national, European or international level are often closest to emerging trends, affected communities and practical challenges. Their input is therefore essential to ensure that the EUDA’s work remains informed, balanced and closely aligned with needs and developments.
Over the short to medium‑term, the EUDA will mainly engage with CSOs through a dedicated platform that provides a structured framework for consultation and knowledge exchange. While previously existing exchanges with CSOs may continue, the platform provides a structured channel for consultation, information exchange and shared expertise
The EUDA civil society platform on drugs
About the platform
The EUDA civil society platform on drugs is a dedicated online space for direct communication between the EUDA and CSOs. It provides a structured area to exchange information, share knowledge and conduct consultations. Through the platform, CSOs can share expertise, discuss issues with the EUDA, and stay up to date on our activities and drug policy developments.
Who can participate in the platform, and what are the eligibility criteria?
The platform is open to civil society organisations (CSOs), including groups representing people who use drugs and communities impacted by drug use, drug markets, or drug-related crime.
For the purpose of collaboration with the EUDA, CSOs are defined as ‘entities operating between the citizens and the state, who develop their activity in areas related to the mandate of the EUDA and are registered in EU Transparency Register’. These may include non-governmental, voluntary, non-profit entities, and community organisations, including people with lived and living experience and representatives of affected communities.
To participate in the platform, organisations must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered in the EU Transparency Register
- Be active in areas covered by the EUDA’s mandate (as set out in the EUDA Founding Regulation)
- Be based in EU Member States, European countries or enlargement partners (pilot phase)
- Confirm (self-declare) their commitment to EU principles and values as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights, justice) and to the values protected in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which defines the Union’s essential values, including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights
- Agree to provide the EUDA, upon request, with information on their activities, organisational structure, funding and governance.
How do I register my organisation to join the platform?
Eligible CSOs may register by completing the online registration form. Registration is free of charge, open-ended, and organisations may deregister at any time.
List of organisations currently registered on the platform
The list of registered organisations will feature here when the platform goes live and will be updated regularly.
Disclaimer
The platform is not an organisation or formal EUDA body and has no membership structure or decision‑making powers. Participation does not constitute EUDA membership. Organisations collaborating through the platform may not act or speak on behalf of the EUDA, nor use the EUDA logo. The EUDA is not responsible for actions or statements made by participating organisations.