In its latest Opinion adopted on 24 March 2021, the EESC has noted the importance of civil society to have a greater role in the entire enlargement process and be better recognized in the new accession methodology, stressing also that building the national capacity of CSOs and facilitating regional cooperation and exchange should be among the priorities of the EU and national funding. Referring to the need for the EU to deliver both financial and political support to CSOs in the Enlargement countries, the Opinion has referenced key BCSDN positions on the need for strategic coherence, a clear monitoring framework, and political commitment for civil society support. Similarly, in regards to EU funding, EESC has taken upon the suggestion that instead of withdrawing allocations from countries that regress in their democratic development, the funds could be re-allocated as civil society support aimed at tackling democratic backsliding. Among other recommendations, the EESC suggests that political leaders and citizens from the WB should join the activities held in the Conference on the Future of Europe on a consultative basis. Read the full Opinion here.
Source: European Economic and Social Committee