The paper analyses the development and influence of the EaP Civil Society Forum. Traditionally, European foreign policy has been regarded as a domaine reservé of governments. The paper argues that in areas of external action where the EU lacks resources, know-how and opportunities to get engaged, non-traditional stake-holders, such as civil society networks can get a chance to shape EU policies both in Brussels and on the ground. Analysing the making of ENP and its domestic empowerment of civil society in the neighbouring countries, the paper describes how Brussels-based civil society networks and their local affiliates have established themselves as watchdogs of governments in the neighbourhood countries. This gives them also some, even if limited, leverage to co-shape policy developments in Brussels.
