Consultation of civil society in EU institutions

17.12.2008

WRITTEN QUESTION E-7003/08
by Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE-DE)
to the Commission

Civil society is one of the fundamental actors in a democracy. The foundation of an open democracy is a functioning civil society. The European Union needs a stronger and more inclusive activity culture.

The interaction between civil society and the EU institutions should become a long-term, regulated process. The EU institutions should create common rules of conduct for consulting civil society, so as to guarantee it an effective influence. The same principles of openness and inclusion should cut across all aspects of the EU's policies.

How does the Commission propose to promote the closer involvement of civil society in all activities of the EU institutions?

OJ C 316, 23/12/2009