COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations
Date: 2012-09-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: civil society, democracy, foreign policy, sustainable development

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 12.9.2012  
COM(2012) 492 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil 
Society in external relations  

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................... 3 

1.1. 

The importance of Civil Society .................................................................................. 3 

1.2.  What the EU means by CSOs ...................................................................................... 3 

1.3. 

A changing landscape .................................................................................................. 3 

2. 

3. 

4. 

4.1. 

4.2. 

4.3. 

4.4. 

4.5. 

5. 

6. 

6.1. 

6.2. 

7. 

A RENEWED EU RESPONSE ................................................................................... 4 

PROMOTING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ................................................... 5 

A STRONG FOCUS AT COUNTRY LEVEL............................................................ 6 

Inclusive policy-making for better governance............................................................ 7 

Domestic transparency and accountability................................................................... 7 

Social services: partnerships for better quality ............................................................ 8 

CSOs' work for inclusive and sustainable growth ....................................................... 9 

EU roadmaps for engagement with CSOs ................................................................... 9 

CSOs IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SETTINGS ................................................. 10 

SHAPING EU SUPPORT ......................................................................................... 10 

Capacity development in the spotlight....................................................................... 10 

Funding adapted to local needs .................................................................................. 11 

CONCLUSIONS........................................................................................................ 11 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil 
Society in external relations  

1. 

BACKGROUND 

1.1. 

The importance of Civil Society 

An empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system and is an asset 
in  itself.  It  represents  and  fosters  pluralism  and  can  contribute  to  more  effective  policies, 
equitable  and  sustainable  development  and  inclusive  growth.  It  is  an  important  player  in 
fostering  peace  and  in  conflict  resolution.  By  articulating  citizens'  concerns,  civil  society 
organisations  (CSOs)  are  active  in  the  public  arena,  engaging  in  initiatives  to  further 
participatory  democracy.  They  embody  a  growing  demand  for  transparent  and  accountable 
governance.  

While  states  carry  the  primary  responsibility  for  development  and  democratic  governance, 
synergies  between  states  and  CSOs  can  help  overcome  challenges  of  poverty,  widening 
inequalities,  social  exclusion  and  unsustainable  development.  CSOs'  participation  in  policy 
processes  is  key  to  ensuring  inclusive  and  effective  policies.  CSOs  therefore  contribute  to 
building  more  accountable  and  legitimate  states,  leading  to  enhanced  social  cohesion  and 
more open and deeper democracies. 

1.2.  What the EU means by CSOs 

The concept of  "CSOs"  embraces  a  wide range of actors with different roles and mandates. 
Definitions vary over time and across institutions and countries. The EU considers CSOs to 
include all non-State, not-for-profit structures1, non-partisan and non –violent, through which 
people  organise  to  pursue  shared  objectives  and  ideals,  whether  political,  cultural,  social  or 
economic.  Operating  from  the  local  to  the  national,  regional  and  international  levels,  they 
comprise urban and rural, formal and informal organisations. The EU values CSOs' diversity 
and  specificities;  it  engages  with  accountable  and  transparent  CSOs  which  share  its 
commitment to social progress and to the fundamental values of peace, freedom, equal rights 
and human dignity. 

1.3. 

A changing landscape 

The last decade has witnessed contrasting developments. CSOs are now widely recognised as 
development  actors  in  their  own  right.  They  have  increased  in  number  and  respond  to  new 
social bases, building coalitions at all levels. CSOs stand out thanks to their capacity to reach 
out  to,  empower,  represent  and  defend  vulnerable  and  socially  excluded  groups,  and  trigger 
social  innovation.  Against  this  background,  governments  in  several  countries  have 
strengthened their engagement with CSOs. 

Yet the relationship between states and CSOs is often delicate. A limited tradition of dialogue 
still prevails in many countries and far too often the space for civil society remains narrow or 

1 

They  include  membership-based,  cause-based  and  service-oriented  CSOs.  Among  them,  community-based 
organisations,  non-governmental  organisations,  faith-based  organisations,  foundations,  research  institutions, 
Gender and LGBT organisations, cooperatives, professional and business associations, and the not-for-profit media. 
Trade unions and employers' organisations, the so-called social partners, constitute a specific category of CSOs.  

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is  shrinking,  with  severe  restrictions  applied.  In  many  contexts,  CSOs  focused  on  human 
rights and advocacy, including women’s organisations, face limitations in their opportunities 
to work and to secure funding.  

On  their  side,  CSOs  may  face  challenges  of  representativeness,  transparency,  internal 
governance  and  capacity,  dependency  on  international  donors  as  well  as  competition  over 
resources,  exacerbated  by  the  economic  crisis.  Furthermore,  new  and  more  fluid  forms  of 
citizens  and  youth  actions  are  on  the  rise:  the  "Arab  Spring"  and  the  "Occupy"  movements 
highlight the potential of social and cultural movements as agents for change. The space and 
opportunities opened up by the Internet and the social media are also playing a substantial role 
in driving this change. 

2. 

A RENEWED EU RESPONSE 

In light of this context, the Commission proposes an enhanced and more strategic approach in 
its  engagement  with  local  CSOs  covering  all  regions,  including  developing,  neighbourhood 
and  enlargement  countries.  Due  consideration  will  be  given  to  country-specificities, 
particularly in highly volatile political contexts.  

The EU gives value to a dynamic, pluralistic and competent civil society and recognizes the 
importance of constructive relations between states and CSOs. Therefore the emphasis of the 
EU  policy  will  be  on  CSOs'  engagement  to  build  stronger  democratic  processes  and 
accountability systems and to achieve better development outcomes2. 

This Communication puts forward three priorities for EU support: 

• 

• 

• 

To  enhance  efforts  to  promote  a  conducive  environment  for  CSOs  in  partner 
countries. 

To  promote  a  meaningful  and  structured  participation  of  CSOs  in  domestic 
policies of partner countries, in the EU programming cycle and in international 
processes. 

To  increase  local  CSOs'  capacity  to  perform  their  roles  as  independent 
development actors more effectively. 

At  the  operational  level,  while  the  principles  of  concentration  and  differentiation3  will  be 
taken  into  account,  a  more  strategic  engagement  with  CSOs  will  be  mainstreamed  in  all 
instruments and programmes and in all sectors of cooperation. 

The  EU  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  provisions  of  this  Communication  also 
through its political and policy dialogues with partner countries.  
The elaboration of EU roadmaps for engagement with CSOs4 at country level should activate 
and  ensure  structured  dialogue  and  strategic  cooperation,  increasing  consistency  and  impact 
of EU actions. 

2 

3 

4 

Since the 1970s the EU has progressively engaged with CSOs through participatory policy frameworks and support 
schemes  focusing  on  their  participation  in  EU  programming.  This  approach  was  reflected  in  the  last 
Communication (COM (2002) 598 final) on the participation of Non State Actors in EC Development Policy. 
As  proposed  in  the  new  EU  policy  for  development  (the  "Agenda  for  Change"),  EU  bilateral  development 
cooperation  will  be  concentrated  in  a  maximum  of  three  sectors  in  each  partner  country  and  resources  will  be 
targeted at the ones most in need, including those in situations of fragility, and where they can have the greatest 
development impact in terms of poverty reduction. 
See section 4.5 

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The  new  policy  is  based  on  the  results  of  the  worldwide  “Structured  Dialogue  on  the 
involvement of CSOs and Local Authorities in EU development cooperation” 5(2010 – 2011). 
The  initiative  allowed  for  a  thorough  revision  of  the  multifaceted  partnership  with  CSOs  – 
spanning from policy and strategic aspects to operational and funding issues. It resulted in a 
shared vision on a more ambitious and coherent EU engagement with CSOs. 

Additionally, this Communication further develops the provisions relating to CSOs contained 
in the new Agenda for Change6 and takes account of the renewed European Neighbourhood 
Policy7,  the  recent  Enlargement  strategies8  and  statements  on  EU  Budget  support  to  Third 
Countries9,  together  with  international  commitments  under  the  2011  Busan  Partnership  on 
Effective Development Cooperation10. It also integrates the results of the online consultation 
on "Civil Society Organisations in development cooperation"11. 

3. 

PROMOTING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT  

The ability of CSOs to participate in different domains of public life depends on a set of pre-
conditions  commonly  referred  to  as  the  "CSO  enabling  environment",  for  which  different 
actors carry responsibility. 

To operate, CSOs need a functioning democratic legal and judicial system – giving them the 
de  jure  and  de  facto  right  to  associate  and  secure  funding,  coupled  with  freedom  of 
expression, access to information and participation in public life. The primary responsibility 
to ensure these basic conditions lies with the state. 

Yet many countries lack favourable legal and regulatory frameworks to guarantee CSOs the 
right  to  operate  independently  and  free  from  unwarranted  interference.  In  some  countries 
governments  fail  to  recognise  the  role  of  CSOs.  As  a  result,  CSOs  often  face  restrictions 
regarding  the  legal  and  policy  frameworks  within  which  they  work,  attempts  to  discredit  or 
criminalise them, constraints on access to funds, intimidation and even physical harassment, 
detention and violent attacks. 

In  this  context,  the  international  community,  the  EU  included,  has  a  duty  to  advocate  for  a 
space  to  operate  for  both  CSOs  and  individuals.  The  EU  should  lead  by  example,  creating 
peer  pressure  through  diplomacy  and  political  dialogue  with  governments  and  by  publicly 
raising human rights concerns. 

The  EU  has  been  at  the  forefront  of  developing  stronger  standards  and  mechanisms  for  the 
promotion and protection of human rights at the United Nations, the Council of Europe and 
the  OSCE.  The  EU  will  strengthen  its  efforts  to  monitor  legislation,  regulations  and 
operational issues which may affect CSOs, in accordance with international commitments. In 
parallel,  the  EU  will  promote  CSO-led  initiatives  and  support  international  arrangements  to 
promote and monitor an enabling environment for CSOs12. 

The EU will continue to take action and measures in countries where the government fails to 
recognise civil society with consequences of human rights violations. When countries loosen 

5 
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10 
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12 

Structured Dialogue: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/who/partners/civil-society/structured-dialogue_en.htm  
COM (2011) 637, Council Conclusions 9316/12 
COM (2011) 303 
COM (2010) 660 
COM (2011) 638, Council Conclusions 9323/12 
http://www.aideffectiveness.org/busanhlf4/images/stories/hlf4/OUTCOME_DOCUMENT_-_FINAL_EN.pdf 
DEVCO 'Have Your Say' (2012): http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/6405_en.htm 
See also the Busan Partnership Document referenced in footnote 10.  

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their commitment to human rights and fundamental values, the EU can suspend cooperation 
with national authorities and strengthen its support to local populations through CSOs. 

After the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, a support programme for economic recovery was made available to the 
Government  on  condition  that  it  adopted  a  new  law  on  freedom  of  association.  This  law  amended  conditions 
used by the previous regime to control this freedom. 

In its cooperation with partner governments, the EU will seek to scale up public authorities' 
capacity to work constructively with civil society, increasing trust and competencies to build 
up  dialogue  and  opportunities  for  partnerships.  The  EU  will  continue  to  offer  advice  and 
support in strengthening democratic institutions and reforms, also by improving the capacity 
of policy makers and civil servants to work with CSOs.  

The EU sees an essential role for independent media, including social media. They contribute 
to an open society based on dialogue, cultural diversity and critical reflection, and increase the 
accountability of both governments and CSOs.  

Indirectly, CSOs also have a role to play, particularly in ensuring their independence from the 
State,  their  representativeness  and  internal  governance,  transparency  and  accountability.  As 
development actors, CSOs share the responsibility to demonstrate the results of their actions, 
in  particular 
initiatives  are  gaining 
international  recognition,  such  as  the  Istanbul  CSOs  Development  Effectiveness  Principles 
and  other  actor-specific  charters  of  accountability  or  national  codes  of  conduct.  The  EU 
encourages further efforts in this area. 

their  constituencies.  Various  self-regulatory 

to 

4. 

A STRONG FOCUS AT COUNTRY LEVEL 

The contribution of local CSOs as partners in dialogue and in oversight will be at the heart of 
future  EU  engagement.  The  EU  believes  in  the  value  of  CSOs'  participation  in  domestic 
policies, and is committed to promoting it.  

Support to CSOs as service providers, which in the past was particularly sustained by the EU, 
will  be  fine-tuned.  Wherever  possible,  it  should  be  framed  in  collaborative  multi-actor 
partnerships coordinated with national authorities, with the long term objective of promoting 
more accountable, effective and sustainable systems at the service of populations. In addition, 
CSOs’  initiatives  can  be  supported  when  addressing  issues  that  do  not  receive  adequate 
consideration within national policies but are key to social progress and reflect human rights 
concerns as well as sustainable development issues.  

Furthermore, initiatives and innovations for promoting equitable and sustainable growth put 
forward by CSOs will also be supported. 

Countries  in  context  of  fragility,  in  crisis  or  in  post  conflict  situation  deserve  a  specific 
approach.  The  EU  recognises  an  essential  role  for  CSOs  in  the  peace  and  security  agenda, 
particularly in conflict prevention, peace-building and state-building.  

The  EU  has  been  at  the  forefront  of  promoting  CSOs  participation  in  EU  programming 
phases.  This  approach  has  been  progressively  embraced,  notably  in  the  African,  Caribbean 
and  Pacific  countries,  following  the  Cotonou  Agreement  provisions  in  this  regard.  Further 
efforts should be made to consolidate the practice in all regions.  

4.1. 

Inclusive policy-making for better governance 

Civil society participation in public policy processes and in policy dialogues leads to inclusive 
and  effective  policies,  if  conjugated  with  adequate  allocation  of  resources  and  sound 
management. CSOs participation is a key factor in devising policies that meet people's needs. 

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Governments  can  benefit  from  the  constructive  participation  of  CSOs  in  the  development, 
implementation and monitoring of national strategies, at all levels. The political will of public 
authorities to engage is crucial and the EU will encourage actions to progress in this direction.  

The EU will invest more in promoting, supporting and monitoring effective mechanisms for 
result-oriented dialogues, emphasising their multi-stakeholder dimension. National or sectoral 
policy  dialogues  should  include  all  concerned  actors,  such  as  CSOs  and  the  private  sector 
where  relevant,  and  partner  governments,  local  authorities,  parliaments  and  other  national 
institutions.  

To be meaningful, dialogue must be timely, predictable and transparent. In turn, for a policy 
process to be credible, CSOs must be independent, representative and competent.  

Supported  by  a  multi-donor  pooled  funding  mechanism  co-funded  by  the  EU,  CSOs  in  Ghana  actively 
contribute  to  the  Public  Interest  and  Accountability  Committee  which  monitors  and  reports  on  oil  and  gas 
revenues,  which  are  of  increasing  importance.  Through  consultations,  proposals  and  presentations  to  the 
relevant Parliamentary Committee, CSOs have been successful in influencing the drafting of important energy 
legislation.  They  are  now  monitoring  implementation,  raising  awareness  and  calling  the  government  to 
account over possible infringements.  

Dialogue schemes are specific to each country, to the sector, and to the actors involved. For 
example,  trade  unions'  and  employers'  organisations  work  are  intrinsically  linked  to 
independent  social  dialogue,  including  with  national  authorities  on  policies  affecting  the 
labour market. 

At  the  local  level,  dialogue  mechanisms  between  CSOs  and  local  authorities  should  be 
promoted,  as  they  guarantee  useful  entry  points  for  policy  input  in  decentralised  contexts. 
This  enhances  the  responsiveness  of  national  policies  to  local  realities.  CSOs  can  also  help 
mobilise local resources and social capital, share information and bring marginalised groups 
into play, thus helping improve local governance and territorial cohesion. 

The  FLEGT  (Forest  Law  Enforcement,  Governance  and  Trade)  voluntary  partnership  agreements  are 
bilateral  trade  agreements  aimed  at  guaranteeing  the  legality  of  timber  exported  to  the  EU  and  supporting 
developing  countries  in  improving  forest  governance.  FLEGT  fosters  dialogue  among  the  stakeholders  in 
partner countries, allowing CSOs to actively help pinpoint governance challenges, help develop the necessary 
regulatory and technical measures, and monitor VPA implementation. In Indonesia, CSOs found that FLEGT 
empowered them "to be deeply involved instead of feeling dictated to by government and big business." 

4.2. 

Domestic transparency and accountability 

Poor governance constrains development. The ability to hold those who govern to account is 
crucial  for  better  governance.  In  democratic  systems  it  is  the  prime  responsibility  of 
parliaments to hold governments to account; CSOs can also play a role in boosting domestic 
accountability  at  local  and  national  levels  through  a  free,  clear,  accessible  flow  of 
information.  They  can  contribute  to  nurturing  respect  for  the  rule  of  law  by  monitoring 
effective implementation of laws and policies and they can initiate and support anti-corruption 
efforts. 

By analysing and contributing to budget proposals, monitoring and tracking public revenues 
and expenditures, and supporting citizens' budget literacy, CSOs play an important role in the 
budget processes, helping to ensure that public resources are used effectively and efficiently. 
Linking  the  budget  to  the  population's  priorities,  needs  and  human  rights  can  increase  the 
impact on poverty reduction and inclusive growth. 

The  EU  should  step  up  support  to  country-led  efforts  to  strengthen  domestic  accountability 
systems, promoting CSOs' role in oversight, alongside parliaments, supreme audit institutions, 

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public procurement monitoring agencies and the media. The EU will support CSO capacities 
to engage effectively in these systems with a  long term perspective, including at local level 
where  a  wealth  of  diverse  and  innovative  approaches  is  emerging  in  the  area  of  "social 
accountability", including through the use of new technologies.  

In line with the recent Communication The Future Approach to EU Budget Support to Third 
Countries  (2011),  when  using  budget  support  the  EU  should  pay  particular  attention  to 
systematically facilitating CSOs' oversight role. The new eligibility criterion on "transparency 
and oversight of the budget" will focus on the timely availability of comprehensive and sound 
budgetary information with which CSOs can better hold decision makers to account. 

In  Morocco  the  EU  provided  support  to  two  CSOs,  a  foundation  and  a  research  centre,  to  enhance  the 
involvement  of  parliamentarians  of  different  political  groups  in  budgetary  processes  and  reform.  Through 
research and trainings, the CSOs have successfully supported parliamentarians in better understanding budgetary 
issues, enhancing their involvement in reform of the finance law.  

4.3. 

Social services: partnerships for better quality 

Ensuring  effective  provision  of  social  services  -  including  health,  education  and  social 
protection - is the responsibility of governments, whether on central or local level, depending 
on the institutional framework of the country. Beyond the provision of services, states assume 
responsibility for their oversight, regulation and quality. They may choose to work through a 
wide  array  of  organisational  arrangements,  from  participatory  schemes  to  public-private 
partnerships. 

CSOs  play  an  important  role  in  service  delivery,  complementing  local  and  national 
government  provision  and  piloting  innovative  projects.  Their  capacity  to  identify  needs, 
address neglected issues and human rights concerns, and mainstream services to populations 
that are socially excluded or out of reach is particularly important. 

The overarching objective of the EU in the realm of social services is to support the capacity 
of public authorities to build sustainable and quality systems for the benefit of population. The 
EU  sees  a  value  in  CSOs  participation  in  multi-actor  partnerships,  particularly  in  sectors 
benefitting from EU bilateral cooperation, as a way of promoting a coordinated approach in 
planning and delivering services. This is relevant also in relation to the emerging role of the 
private  sector  in  this  field.  In  the  long  term,  the  EU  encourages  funding  mechanisms 
supporting local CSOs in service delivery to be progressively integrated in national systems, 
underpinned  by  solid  and  transparent  regulatory  frameworks  guaranteeing  equity  of  access. 
To limit fragmentation and duplications, coordination should be sought at all levels.  

Direct  support  to  CSOs  in  service  delivery  could  be  provided  to  ensure  disenfranchised 
groups can access basic services, or to complement the actions of underperforming or absent 
public  authorities,  particularly  in  least  developed  countries.  This  is  particularly  needed  in 
fragile contexts, in conflict and in crisis situations. 

In  Somaliland13  the  EU  and  other  donors  supported  two  European  CSOs  to  establish  a  regional  veterinary 
training institution. Through a bottom-up approach and using an innovative learning approach, it has educated a 
new  generation  of  veterinary  professionals  to  addresses  the  specific  needs  of  the  Somali  livestock  industry. 
Despite  the  fragile  context,  it  is  now  a  well-established  tertiary  education  institution  with  affiliations  with 
European and African institutions. 

13 

This designation is without prejudice to positions on status. 

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4.4. 

CSOs' work for inclusive and sustainable growth 

CSOs have increasingly become active players in the economic realm, with initiatives having 
an  impact  on  local  economy  or  by  monitoring  repercussions  of  national  and  international 
economic  policies.  The  EU  has  long  supported  the  "social  economy"14,  which  focuses  on 
achieving social impact rather than profit only. Associations of cooperatives, foundations and 
NGOs are particularly active in promoting entrepreneurship and job creations by mobilising 
grassroots  communities,  delivering  services  and  stimulating  income  generating  activities  for 
the poor and marginalised. In the same vein, in Rio+20 the EU supported references to CSOs 
as  active  players  for  an  inclusive  green  economy,  putting  emphasis  on  the  importance  of 
including both social and environmental factors in stimulating economic growth.  

The  EU  will  support  CSO  initiatives  and  partnerships  which  combine  social  and  economic 
ambitions,  in  sectors  such  as  rural  development,  food  security,  tourism  and  culture, 
environment  and  energy,  among  others.  Particular  attention  should  be  given  to  job  creation 
and  entrepreneurship  responsive  to  community  needs,  stimulating  local  economic  growth  in 
an inclusive and sustainable manner. 

In  Brazil,  the  EU  supported  a  local  CSO  to  promote  the  social  and  economic  inclusion  of  waste  collectors 
through a Network, providing literacy, vocational and management skills training, environmental education on 
recycling,  and  technical  assistance  (in  administration,  accounting,  marketing,  etc.)  for  their  cooperatives.  This 
increases individual incomes, reduces illiteracy, and opens access to social protection. In 2012, this project won 
the Brazilian National Prize for Millennium Development Goal 1.  

The EU will also support innovative schemes to extend access to financial services to those 
who are excluded from traditional banking systems, particularly women. 

Attention  will  also  be  given  to  CSOs  work  to  promote  and  monitor  corporate  social 
responsibility,  ethical  and  sustainable  business  models  and  the  decent  work  agenda,  public-
private partnerships, fair trade, and actions aimed at equitable access to natural resources and 
land.  

4.5. 

EU roadmaps for engagement with CSOs 

The EU and the Member States should develop country roadmaps for engagement with CSOs, 
to  improve  the  impact,  predictability  and  visibility  of  EU  actions,  ensuring  consistency  and 
synergy throughout the various sectors covered by EU external relations. These roadmaps are 
also meant to trigger coordination and sharing of best practices with the Member States and 
other  international  actors,  including  for  simplification  and  harmonisation  of  funding 
requirements.  

Roadmaps should be based on a sound understanding of the CSOs arena and the wider socio-
economic  context  in  which  they  operate15.  This  is  a  prerequisite  for  a  more  strategic 
engagement  of  the  EU  at  country  level,  particularly  if  relevant  stakeholders  have  to  be 
identified in order to establish or facilitate effective and meaningful dialogue schemes. 

The  roadmaps  should  identify  long  term  objectives  of  EU  cooperation  with  CSOs  and 
encompass  dialogue  as  well  as  operational  support,  identifying  appropriate  working 
modalities.  This  exercise  should  be  linked  to  the  programming  of  EU  external  assistance, 

14 

15 

See  Creating  a favourable climate  for  social enterprises, key  stakeholders  in  the  social  economy  and  innovation 
(2012): http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/social_business/docs/COM2011_682_en.pdf 
Regular and participatory mappings are recommended, covering the diversity of actors and including networks and 
platforms at national/sector levels. 

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namely  bilateral,  regional  and  thematic  cooperation.  The  human  rights  country  strategies 
currently being developed by the EU will be an important reference.  

The roadmaps should be developed taking into account the views of civil society, be regularly 
updated and where appropriate, made publicly available and shared with national authorities. 

5. 

CSOS IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SETTINGS 

The  last  decades  have  seen  the  rise  of  international  activist  groups  advocating  for  and 
promoting multilateral norms and standards and engaging in global networks and worldwide 
campaigns.  These  cover  issues  such  as  trade,  global  justice,  human  rights, the environment, 
climate  change,  transparency,  global  health  and  effective  development  cooperation.  The 
evolution of information and communications technology has played a key role in the growth 
and changing role of transnational networks. 

Organisations,  networks  and  alliances  acting  at  the  regional  and  global  levels  will  be 
supported in tackling transnational and global challenges.  

The EU will also support CSOs active at the European and global levels which, in cooperation 
and  partnership  with  local  CSOs,  act  to  monitor  policy  coherence  for  development,  holding 
the international community to account for delivering on aid commitments and contribute to 
the promotion of global citizens’ awareness16.  

At the EU level, particular attention is given to CSOs dialogue with European institutions. In 
addition  to  existing  mechanisms  for  consultations  on  policies  and  programmes  the 
Commission  will  set  up  a  consultative  multi-stakeholder  group  allowing  CSOs  and  relevant 
development actors to dialogue with the EU institutions on EU development policies, as well 
as on the provisions proposed in this Communication. 

6. 

SHAPING EU SUPPORT 

6.1. 

Capacity development in the spotlight  

In  order  to  increase  their  impact,  local  CSOs  must  overcome  capacity  constraints  ranging 
from  limitations  in  technical  management  and  leadership  skills,  fundraising,  to  results 
management and issues of internal governance. 

The  EU  will  reinforce  its  support  to  the  capacity  development  of  CSOs,  particularly  local 
actors,  as  part  of  a  long-term,  demand-driven  and  flexible  approach,  giving  particular 
consideration to constituency building and representativeness. 

The  EU  will  also  support  long-term  and  equitable  partnerships  for  capacity  development 
between  local  and  European  CSOs.  These  should  be  based  on  local  demand,  include 
mentoring and coaching, peer learning, networking, and building of linkages from the local to 
the global level.  

6.2. 

Funding adapted to local needs  

Tailored funding constitutes an important component of the EU's engagement with CSOs and 
should  allow  better  access  for  local  organisations.  The  Commission  will  use  an  appropriate 

16 

In Europe, this is strongly supported by the Commission with a specific actor-based programme on Development 
Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR).  

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mix of funding modalities17 so as to best respond to the widest possible range of actors, needs 
and country contexts in a flexible, transparent, cost-effective and result focused manner.  

In  the  Western  Balkans  and  Turkey  the  EU  is  supporting  regional  networks  of  CSOs  through  Framework 
Partnership Agreements. This allows for a more flexible, long-term programmatic approach, supporting CSOs 
to work in partnership to develop and implement strategies for a particular sector while sharing knowledge and 
experience gained from different country contexts. With a focus on building capacity for analysis, monitoring 
and advocacy to influence policy reform, CSO partners connect from the regional to the national level and also 
have  the  opportunity  to  pilot  small-scale  local  projects  through  re-granting  to  grass-root  or  other  community 
based organisations. 

7. 

CONCLUSIONS 

In  an  evolving  international  landscape  and  in  consideration  of  EU  external  policies,  the 
proposals  put  forward  in  this  Communication  are  meant  to  boost  EU  relations  with  civil 
society  organisations  and  adapt  them  to  current  and  future  challenges.  A  renewed  EU 
response  is  proposed  with  a  view  to  empower  primarily  local  CSOs  in  their  actions  for 
democratic governance and equitable development. Acting together, the EU and the Member 
States  are  in  a  unique  position  to  engage  more  strategically  to  achieve  greater  coherence, 
consistency and impact of EU actions. 

17 

The  EU  may consider  all  funding  modalities  and  approaches  allowed  by the  financial  regulations.  These  include 
projects,  programme  funding,  direct  award  of  grants,  pool  funding,  follow-up  grants,  core-funding,  co-financing, 
ring fencing, simplified calls and re-granting.  

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