Centre for Environmental Initiatives "Ecoaction"
Centre for Environmental Initiatives "Ecoaction" is an NGO uniting efforts of experts and activists in a joint struggle to protect the environment.
ID: 332202651989-23
Lobbying Activity
Response to EU Civil Society Strategy
5 Sept 2025
Declared European Union values have been a driving force for Ukrainian citizens in their fight against Russian aggression. This is a clear demonstration that EU values are extremely important for people who have experienced a democratic system and still have the opportunity to express their position openly. These aspirations can be lost quickly in societies that do not enjoy freedoms, as seen in Russia and several Central Asian states. In the Ukrainian context, civil society organisations play an important role in representing the interests of various social groups that are not represented by political parties. For example, there are citizens groups that are negatively impacted by decisions based on where they live rather than their political preferences. Such groups often approach civil society organisations for advice and support in what they see as a restoration of their rights. For a country outside of the EU, the bloc's proclaimed commitment to public participation and engagement of civil society is still important for two reasons: 1) It serves as an example of a properly functioning democracy, 2) t allows Ukrainian civil society to have first-hand information on EU policies and decisions, as well as to contribute to the bloc's discussions that impact Ukrainian people. It will be important that the future EU Civil Society Strategy maintains the following features: 1. Spelled-out commitment to, and requirement of, public participation in decision-making. The need for public participation in published decisions by EU bodies sets requirements for Ukrainian authorities seeking to join the European Union. The existence of CSOs makes reaching interested people far more effective, as citizens tend to follow the news of organisations working on topics of their interest more closely than they do state bodies (as relevant topics are often spread across state institutions). CSOs also serve as amplifiers of topics that are of particular importance. 2. Maintaining CSO access to decision-making bodies both through consultative structures and directly. The ability of CSOs to communicate with officials at member states and EU bodies allows for better-informed decisions that impact EU citizens. Thematic CSOs, which have staff and members with specific expertise, provide well-informed suggestions. The Strategy should emphasise the value of such a set-up for more effective management of the member states and the entire Union.
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