The study will be published by the end of April 2006. Its aim is to give some input to important debates at the European level such as Plan D, improving transparency and the future since the failed constitutional process.
Up till now, there are many missing points in the development of the civil dialogue such as lack of coherence between sectors and institutions, some issues were set aside, NGOs were not fully involved in the process.
The participation of NGOs in the policy process is one way to “bring the EU closer to its citizens”.
What has to be achieved, indeed, is a coherent and comprehensive approach to civil dialogue:
The stakeholder dialogue should involve also civil society organisations, and should put on equal footing the general and the private interests.
NGOs should adopt a pro-active approach, preserving their representativity and legitimacy unspotted.
The Enlargement process has influenced not only the structure of NGOs, but also the structure of the civil society.
The objectives of the study is to review the existing practices , to identify the good and bad ones, and draft recommendations. The study covers seven sectors in which the civil society dialogue interferes.
The methodology of the study includes mapping of EU level civil dialogue. European questionnaire will be sent to many European NGO networks, members of the Civil Society Contact Group, and national organisations as well. The mapping will be supported by several case studies such as Constitutional Treaty, Services Directive, Corporate Social Responsibility Forum, Structural Funds, Open Method of Coordination on Social Inclusion and Trade Dialogue.
