This conference is foreseen as a starting point for ECAS advocacy strategy aimed at raising debate at EU and national levels in EU neighbouring countries about the involvement of civil society actors in shaping, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU external policies and programmes. With this event ECAS is launching the advocacy process calling on the EU to develop a coherent and coordinated approach towards sustainable civil society development beyond the EU borders.

The conference intends to provide a common space for a discussion on the new legal framework of EU external assistance for neighbouring countries – the IPA and ENPI regulations. Particular emphasis will be put on the partnership principle referred to in these regulations and its potential impact for stronger civil society inclusion in shaping, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU external policies, ENPI and IPA programmes. It will also give an opportunity for civil society representatives to discuss the upcoming financial support for CSOs within the new financial instruments.

At the following link http://www.ecas.org/product/91/default.aspx?id=629 you can find the invitation letter, conference programme and the registration form.

CONTACTS:
ECAS
Elena Tegovska
Project Coordinator, ECAS
tel: +32 2 548 04 94
fax: +32 2 548 04 99
email: elena.tegovska@ecas.org