7 October 2026
Format: Online
Zoom registration links:
- Morning cohort – 09:30-12:00 CEST (English): https://zoom.us/meeting/register/A_Qj9nZjSnaIdRAZTufSrg
- Afternoon cohort – 16:00-18:30 CEST (Spanish & English): https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Vb2ART-zQ--9Nz0SMDjFTQ
Throughout October, the ICA will organise the four-session online training series: “EU Delegations and EU Compliance for the Cooperative World”.
The first session, “Understanding the EU External Action Ecosystem and EU Delegations”, taking place on 7 October 2026, will provide participants with a practical introduction to the EU’s external action ecosystem and the key institutions involved in international cooperation.
Designed for ICA member apex bodies and cooperative organisations, the session will help participants understand who does what within the EU external action architecture, how priorities are translated into country-level programming, and where cooperatives can find opportunities to engage.
What will participants learn?
- Participants will understand the respective roles and structures of the European Commission (notably DG INTPA), the European External Action Service (EEAS), and EU Delegations.
- Understand how EU external action priorities are set and cascade to country level (Multiannual Indicative Programmes, Team Europe Initiatives).
- Distinguish between engaging an EU Delegation in a partner country and engaging EU Member State institutions directly (relevant for European cooperative members).
- Identify the correct entry points and appropriate protocol for approaching a Delegation or Member State institution.
Content Outline
- The EU external action architecture
- Country-level programming
- For European cooperative members: engaging EU Member State institutions
- Entry points and protocol
Who should attend?
The training is aimed at ICA member organisations, national cooperative apex bodies, federations and individual cooperatives, both within and outside the European Union, interested in strengthening their engagement with EU institutions and exploring opportunities linked to EU external action and Global Gateway.
This activity is organized under the ICA-EU Partnership (2024-2028), also known as #coops4dev🌍, a five-year international cooperative development programme that aims to strengthen the ICA network and position cooperatives as key development actors within the European Union Development Agenda.
For more information, download the concept note below.
