In response to the recent European Commission’s Communication ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with Civil Society in external relations’ trade unions welcome the document and its recognition of the role of the civil society with the particular mention of social partners and social dialogue as well as the Commission’s commitment to supporting regional and global networks and ensuring timely and inclusive policy dialogues. Trade unions welcome also the recognition of the role of Development Education as a means of strengthening public accountability of the EU external action.