Civil Society for democracy in candidate countries

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Draft Agenda

16:15-16:25 Introduction by Ionut Sibian, EESC member of the REX section, Executive Directive of the Civil Society Development Foundation from Romania

16:25-16:55 Panel discussion. Moderator: Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA

2 rounds of questions with the following panellists:  

  • Guler Altinsoy, Co-founder of IDEMA, Needs maps and INOGAR 
  • Nataša Vučković, Vice-présidente ALDA, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation 

16:55- 17:20 Contributions from the audience to gather recommendations to strengthen the civil society in candidate countries 

17:20-17:40  

  • Feedback from Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel, Member of the European Parliament 
  • Feedback from Andrius Kubilius, Member of the European Parliament 
  • Feedback from  by  Dr. Michael A. Rupp, Principal Administrator DG NEAR  - Eastern Partnership C.1. Team Leader Coordination of Association and Enlargement processes 

17:40-17:45 Conclusion and final address  

 Panellists

  • ​​Ionut Sibian, EESC member of the REX section, Executive Directive of the Civil Society Development Foundation from Romania
  • Guler Altinsoy, Co-founder of Needs maps-INOGAR-IDEMA  
  • Nataša Vučković, Vice-présidente ALDA, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation 
  • Dr. Michael A. Rupp, Principal Administrator DG NEAR  - Eastern Partnership C.1. Team Leader Coordination of Association and Enlargement processes
  • Andrius Kubilius, MEP
  • Viola VON Cramon-Tabade, MEP

Concept Note

Be it implementing the necessary reforms or the different tools that the EU offers to answer the challenges of our time, civil society has demonstrated its crucial role in contributing to more resilient and democratic societies. In candidate countries in particular, civil society is an important driving force towards transparency, inclusion and integration. 

While geopolitical and democratic challenges have accelerated the need to rethink the enlargement policy, it is of utmost importance (now more than ever) that EU institutions ensure that civil society from EU countries as well as enlargement countries are included in the institutional processes that would eventually lead to accession. 

This workshop will aim to (1) underline the resilience and vital role of civil society in the process, (2) highlight the need to identify clearer mechanisms through which civil society can be a recognised part of EU accession negotiations, as well as (3) earmark resources to support it in this task. 

Work organisation