Issue 183

Proposals of the EaP Civil Society Forum Steering Committee to the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting in Brussels

23.07.2017

The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in the presentation held by Leila Alieva during the EaP Ministerial Meeting in Brussels yesterday wishes to reiterate its support for the Eastern Partnership as an effective mechanism of promoting democratic reforms, including the establishment of the rule of law and sustainable market mechanisms, in the six Eastern Partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine) and conveys a number of proposals.

Stressing that closer economic integration must go hand in hand with strategic focus on human rights, civil liberties and joint security in next phase of Eastern Partnership and hoping that the EU member states and EU Council will build on the sanctions imposed to date to send a clear, consistent and united signal to the Russian government that its military interference in Ukraine, both its annexation of Crimea and arming of separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, is illegal and unacceptable,

Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum proposes:

• appointment of European Commissioner for Civil Society and Human Rights,
• immediate release of all political prisoners in Partner countries,
• strong support for unity of Ukraine against Russian interference and aggression,
• greater defence and security co-operation, including joint energy security policy, between EU and Partner countries

Full document

 

New press pack: Civil society at the heart of the Eastern Partnership

28-07-2014

In order for reforms in Eastern Partnership countries to be successful, a stronger participation of civil society is needed so as to enhance the oversight of public services and strengthen public confidence in those services. The European Union has been consistent in supporting civil society organizations in partner countries, in both political and financial terms. A new press pack from the EU Neighbourhood Info Centre highlights cooperation between the EU and its Eastern Neighbours to support civil society and provides examples of programmes on the ground.

The press pack brings together the main facts and figures, and includes links to success stories, publications, photos and videos, and useful links and documents.

It is available in electronic form in English and Russian. (EU Neighbourhood Info)

Read more

EU Neighbourhood Info Centre webpage – Civil Society and Local Authorities

EuropeAid – Civil Society and Local Authorities