The 2011 uprisings in Tunisia brought the concept of 'civil society' to the forefront, both as a category of transnational public action and as a means of self-definition for diverse non-governmental and voluntary organizations. 'Civil society' support, and its rhetoric of ‘partnership’ has been incorporated into EU external action through funding instruments and dedicated programs which are presented as a 'depoliticized' interface for EU external action. They enable the selection, labelling and funding of organizations considered to be partners in such external action. Beyond the institutional framing of 'civil society', this article seeks to understand how European funds are used for professional and activist purposes and how they induce forms of compliance. These intermediary organizations negotiate their position in the 'dialogue between the European Union and Tunisia' based on pre-existing activist networks and perceived divides between 'islamists' and 'leftists', thereby politicizing the issues at stake in the 'dialogue'.