EESC steunt sterkere burgerlijke maatschappij in Bosnië-Herzegovina (en)

CES/09/99

16 July 2009

EESC supports stronger civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 16 July 2009 , the EESC plenary session adopted an opinion on the role of civil society in EU-Bosnia-Herzegovina relations. The opinion calls upon the EU to speed up negotiations on visa-free access, financial support for civil society organisations and a better legal framework under which civil society organisations (CSO) could operate free from government influence. The opinion will contribute to preparations for the 3rd Western Balkans Civil Society Forum, to take place in 2010.

" Our committee has been very active in assisting civil society organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is absolutely necessary to continue in this. Assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting EU standards should be our main priority in the future", EESC rapporteur Patrik Zoltvány (Group I, Employers, Slovakia) stated.

The EESC asks the European institutions to speed up negotiations on a visa-free regime and to actively support compliance with technical and other standards.

I ncreased support from the EU institutions – including in financial terms – is necessary in order to maintain CSOs' independence from government and ensure the sustainability of their projects. The EESC stresses in particular the need to support programmes focused on capacity-building for social partners in order to strengthen their capacity for effective social dialogue.

A legal environment supportive towards civil society, employer organisations and trade unions should be set up, for example via the creation of an economic and social council at State level. The EESC also supports an official strategy for the development of civil society, drawn up in close cooperation with civil society organisations.

T rade unions and employer organisations should be able to register with a designated legal base, allowing them to operate effectively. The issue of the registration of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Bosnia Herzegovina should be resolved quickly.

CSOs should stimulate inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and increase the level of cooperation, networking and twinning. Bosnian CSOs should also take the lead in increasing knowledge and understanding of EU integration, EU policies and European Institutions.

The full text of the adopted opinion will soon be available at:

http://www.toad.eesc.europa.eu/AgendaDocuments.aspx?pmi=c%2fwXXbtJX54%3d

T o contact the rapporteur, please consult:

http://eescmembers.eesc.europa.eu/eescmembers.aspx?critId=2021128