Brussels, 12/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a symposium in Brussels on Friday 9 September on the role of civil society in developments on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, bringing together NGOs from Europe and the partner countries (Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria and Palestine).
The first session drew the lessons from the changes which are taking place and outlined “future scenarios”. Debate in the second session was on how best to strengthen links between NGOs and semi-professional associations, and between these players and the EU. The final session explored future perspectives for developing the “regional perspective” of civil societies, the role of which was highlighted by the chairman of the EESC external relations section, Sandy Boyle. He said that the Economic and Social Committee is, by its nature, the institution closest to civil society. Dimitris Dimitriadis, erstwhile president of the EESC and currently chairman of its EuroMed monitoring committee, called on NGOs from both shores to critically re-examine the European approach towards civil society and to contribute to its revision. The various speakers each gave an analysis of what is happening, virtually all highlighting the need for vigilance against the risk of “counter-revolution”. (F.B./transl.rt)