On 2 December 2008, the Constitutional Affairs Committee adopted a Report on ‘developing civil dialogue at EU level.’ Drafted by Genowefa Grabowska MEP (Socialist, Poland), the report calls for the establishment of a structured civil dialogue between the EU institutions and civil society.
On 13 January 2009, this Report was formally adopted by the European Parliament Plenary Session with 519 votes in favour and only 75 against.
Key points of the report
Openness on the part of the Council : enhanced, streamlined access to Council documents is of key importance to effective dialogue with civil society.
Closer and better interinstitutional cooperation on consultations with civil society. In particular, a common platform for cooperation between the Parliament and the Commission.
New channels, methods and opportunities for communicating with citizens, and closer cooperation with the media.
Funding : For genuine civil dialogue to be possible, appropriate funding needs to be made available.
Call on the European Commission to adopt a proposal for a statute for European associations and proper funding for civil dialogue and civil society.
EPHA Comments
EPHA supports such an initiative and agrees with MEP Genowefa Grabowska : "It’s not enough just to inform them about EU activity, we must find the time to listen to their opinions and ensure that their views and concerns are treated seriously and taken into consideration by the European institutions. Civil Dialogue must be more authentic, democratic and transparent."
