Brussels, 19/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - Civil society organisations (CSOs) have gained in recognition since the Arab Spring and the European Commission too is planning on strengthening its aid to civil society in EU partner countries, and promoting a more conducive environment so that they can fully play their role. In a press release published on Wednesday 19 September, at a time when CSOs are subjected to repression in numerous countries, the Commission recognises that these organisations can be efficient independent development actors, contributing to the delivery of social services, transparency and human rights, and also offering groups of marginalised people in the poorest countries the chance to be heard and take part in decisions which concern them.
The Commission proposes to increase its cooperation with governments and institutions to ensure the creation and promotion of a more conducive, fair and democratic environment for civil society to operate in, which will enable CSOs to help more of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. The Commission also proposes to launch “EU Roadmaps” for stronger engagement with the CSOs. The roadmaps will be the start of a new way of working for EU delegations, allowing for more structured and strategic cooperation with civil society in each partner country.
“We commit to help develop a dynamic, pluralistic and competent civil society in our partner countries” says European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs. He says that this initiative “aims to empower local CSOs in their actions for democratic governance and equitable development”. Stefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement, adds that “civil society organisations have a crucial role to play in the transformation process and in holding governments to account. Working with civil society organisations and supporting them is at the centre of our new neighbourhood policy. (…) We are keen to consult CSOs more systematically on our policy initiatives and cooperation programme.”
This communication on “The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations” integrates the results of a consultation with civil society from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the EU Neighbourhood region, which lasted two years. In the current budget framework (2007-2013) the EU allocates around €1 billion per year to CSOs. (AN/transl.fl)