Enhancing Democracy: European Commission Further Supports Civil Society
Discussion details
Civil society engagement is vital for enhancing democracy and fighting poverty. In its new Communication on "The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations", the European Commission commits to strengthen its support to civil society organisations (CSOs) in its partner countries.
The new Communication on Civil Society was presented during the European Development Days, on 16 October. Kristian Schmidt, Director of Human and Society Development at EuropeAid, emphasised the importance of working with governments and public institutions. The objective is to ensure the promotion of a more conducive environment for civil society. This policy was particularly timely, as it responds to a clampdown on CSOs in many countries.
This policy builds on a long-standing partnership with civil society groups and particularly on the results of the "Structured Dialogue": a two-year consultation with Civil Society and LAs from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Neighbourhood region. It has also benefited from an online consultation. The policy proposes to launch "EU Roadmaps" for stronger engagement with Civil Society Organisations – allowing for more structured and strategic cooperation with Civil Society in each of the countries the EU works with.
Under the current EU budget which runs from 2007 to 2013, around 1 billion per year is channelled through civil society organisations.
View the presentation of the new Communication on Civil Society.
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