Introduction The European Union (EU) is not only a major donor but also a key policy maker in the area of human rights around the world. Its founding treaty commits it to actively engage in the promotion of the respect for human rights outside of its borders. The EU undertakes this task both through the provision of financial support for human rights actions and projects as well as through political dialogue with third countries. It is therefore able to use its political powers to promote particular issues and influence third country governments into changing their policies. The fight against torture, ill-treatment and other cruel or inhuman treatment is a crucial cornerstone of the EU’s human rights policy abroad. In developing its human rights policy, the EU engages in dialogue and cooperation with civil society organisations (CSOs) across the world. This opens up opportunities for organisations based in third countries to influence EU policy towards their national governments, in turn promoting domestic change. EU institutions and mechanisms have the potential to make an important contribution to advancing human rights for rights holders on the ground if they are adequately informed about the national context. Equally, national stakeholders, including NGOs, can better fight for domestic change if they are aware of the tools that the EU makes available to them in the promotion of human rights and in the fight against torture specifically. This guide aims to inform IRCT members of the structure and components of the human rights dimension of EU foreign policy, with an emphasis on the mechanisms accessible to them on the ground in their countries. Its purpose is to encourage members to engage in closer cooperation and information sharing with EU representatives. This will in turn increase the visibility of issues relating to torture as well as their inclusion in EU policy towards third countries, consequently promoting domestic change. Engaging with European Union foreign policy on the ground – an IRCT guide 5