BCSDN Monitoring Matrix for CSDev Reflected in the DG Enlargement Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in Enlargement Countries

A multi-beneficiary consultative event under the title “Multi-Stakeholders consultation on EU support to civil society in enlargement countries” was held on the 25 and 26 of April in Brussels. The main objective of the consultation meeting was to improve the elaboration of annex A of the DG Enlargement Guidelines for EU support to civil society in enlargement countries, 2014-2020, and in particular to submit the draft to comments, critical remarks and additions on the objectives, results and indicators.Over 60 participants were present a the meeting coming from CSOs in the region and EU networks, EUDs and national goverment offices dealing with civil society.

The EC has started the process of consultations with proposing support to civil society within the enlargement policy to be focused on enabling and stimulating participatory democracy. This should be reflected in two main goals: achieving an environment that is conducive to civil society activities and building the capacity of CSOs to be effective and accountable independent actors. Civil society commented on the proposed objectives and results by reflecting the national context and raising issues relevant to civil society at the moment. BCSDN Monitoring Matrix for CSDev was reflected in the DG Enlargement strategy for CS Support and BCSDN representative participated actively in the indicators development on the meeting. The consultation process will continue in the countries by the end of May. The EC will submit to comments the draft, with the indicators included, in May as well.