Throughout the region the greatest problem facing the public, NGOs and state administrators alike is the lack of hands-on practice, both with new legislative mechanisms and with more basic democratic concepts. The practice developing in a few countries in the region might stand as an example to other countries that have lagged behind. The technical transformation the region is witnessing cannot be realized without good management which presupposes public participation. The huge task of social, economic changes cannot happen without the support and strong engagement of people. Overcoming the barriers of the past mentality of people is only possible if the readiness to participate is encouraged at all levels.
Public participation is a dialogue between different parties.
Each party has roles and responsibilities in the process and each should make efforts to improve the process. Improvements are needed in the relationship between officials, policy and law makers at all levels, the public and NGOs. Once concrete problems and obstacles in each CEE country are identified, suggestions for improving public participation need to be implemented. Governments and parliaments need to take the initiative and formally commit themselves to establishing and implementing certain guidelines to make public participation work. Efforts need to be made to set up a comprehensive framework for public participation at all levels of decision and policy making based on the same principles, making the possibilities for public participation clear to everyone.