The European Union’s Global Gateway strategy has become one of the EU’s flagship instruments for international investment and cooperation. Through projects in infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, transport, and critical raw materials, the initiative is reshaping relations between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, with significant implications for human rights, environmental protection, and local development.
To support civil society organizations in understanding, monitoring, and engaging with this strategy, the EU-LAT Network, Counter Balance, and CIDSE have jointly developed the “Global Gateway: Training Manual for Facilitators.”
This publication brings together the content and methodologies used in training sessions delivered to civil society organizations across Latin America. The manual provides an accessible overview of what Global Gateway is, how its projects are financed, which actors are involved, and the key risks and opportunities associated with its implementation.
Beyond explaining the strategy, the manual serves as a practical tool for organizations working with affected communities and territories. It offers guidance on how to identify and assess Global Gateway projects, understand their potential social, environmental, and economic impacts, and develop effective advocacy strategies at the local, national, and European levels.
The publication also maps the different stages of a Global Gateway project and highlights entry points for civil society engagement throughout the project cycle, helping organizations strengthen their role in decision-making processes and accountability efforts.
As European investments continue to shape development pathways across Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring informed and meaningful civil society participation is essential. This manual aims to contribute to that objective by equipping organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to engage critically and constructively with the Global Gateway strategy.
Read the full manual here (only available in spanish).