The role of civil society in EU-Albania relations

The role of civil society in EU-Albania relations

In a letter dated 4 September 2014, Mr Maroš Šefčovič, then Vice-president of the European Commission responsible for inter-institutional relations, asked the Committee, in accordance with Article 9 of the cooperation protocol between the EESC and the European Commission, to draw up an exploratory opinion on the role of civil society in EU-Albania relations.

The work of the EESC will take place at a crucial moment for Albania on its path toward the EU as the country was granted the status of candidate country for EU accession by the Council in June 2014.

The opinion should take stock of the current situation of civil society in Albania (legal environment, relations with the authorities, situation of social and civil dialogues) and propose recommendations for possible EU action in this field.

The opinion will provide an opportunity to get the views of Albanian civil society organisations in the course of a study visit to Albania.