Abstract Using data on contributions to European Commission online consultations from 2001 to 2010, this article examines the level and character of engagement of foreign states in preparation of EU policy. The results show that regional differences in the overall participation of foreign actors are cancelled out when controlling for different demand- and supply-side factors of regional representation. A country's volume of EU trade, level of development and degree of democracy all contribute to increasing participation. Moreover, variation in national economic and political structures helps explain the types of actors by which a country is represented.