Civil society and its role in the process of EU integration Regional Conference Through Cooperation towards Integration Przno, 08 – 10th October European integration Office Government of Republic of Serbia

Serbian EU Communication Strategy Objectives Address the need to bring the EU Stabilization and Association Process (SAP) closer to the citizens of SerbiaAddress the need to bring the EU Stabilization and Association Process (SAP) closer to the citizens of Serbia To explain the significance and necessity of reforms implemented within this processTo explain the significance and necessity of reforms implemented within this process To ensure that the citizens are timely and objectively informed on SAP and reforms induced by this processTo ensure that the citizens are timely and objectively informed on SAP and reforms induced by this process To enable prompt and accurate flow of information on overall governmental efforts and achievements in EU integration process toward EU member statesTo enable prompt and accurate flow of information on overall governmental efforts and achievements in EU integration process toward EU member states MAIN MESSAGE - EU ASSOCIATION PROCESS = TRANSITION

Provide a reliable, easily accessible and understandable informationProvide a reliable, easily accessible and understandable information To raise the level and quality of public debate/discussion on EU mattersTo raise the level and quality of public debate/discussion on EU matters Ensuring citizens supportEnsuring citizens support Communication Strategy Objectives

4 standard elements: Development and implementation of communication strategy,Development and implementation of communication strategy, Public opinion polls (twice a year),Public opinion polls (twice a year), Strong cooperation with the mediaStrong cooperation with the media Strong cooperation with civil sector/NGOsStrong cooperation with civil sector/NGOs EU Communication Strategy – basic elements

Expected results Informing active participants in the SAP and motivate and encourage them to take their role and recognize their obligations in a responsible and constructive way Form a positive opinion of Serbian citizens on the EU association process through better understanding of the process and the accompanying reforms To reach greater social consensus and more effective contribution to EU integration process from all segments of Serbian society Form a positive opinion of the EU citizens and EU officials on Serbian efforts and achievements in the EU integration process

Target groups The key actors in the process and impact groups: Media Political actors Civil servants Local authorities officials NGO Academic institutions Business community Students and youth

Cooperation with civil sector Memorandum of cooperation with NGO’s in the European integration process, signed on July 12 th 2005 Purpose: institutionalization of cooperation between the Office and NGO’s in the process of our country’s European integration, promotion of activities and coordination, as well as cooperation aimed at regular and objective citizens’ information about the European integration process (68 partner NGO’s until now - from all parts of Serbia) Memorandum of cooperation with Serbian Chamber of Commerce, signed in 2004 Memorandum of cooperation with Universities in the European integration process, signed in October 2006

Cooperation with civil sector Forms Regular contacts and exchange of information Joint projects and activities (mostly trainings and education) Facilitation of contacts between the NGO’s and potential donors Joint organization of the Europe Day and other EU related information campaings Regular meetings organized by the SEIO (exchange of information on the process of EU integration, consultations and preparations of new projects and initiatives…) Recommendation of partner NGOs projects to the donors Representatives of SEIO are often lecturers at NGO trainings dedicated to the EU Joint organization of conferences and round tables

Cooperation with the media Everyday communication with the media Media trainings (priority is given to local media) Media campaign - “Did you know?” (daily newspaper) Competition for best media report on European integrations (together with the EC Delgation in Belgrade) Press corner on SEIO website Evronet (daily TV show on EU integration issues, broadcast on national TV in 2006 supported by our Office )

Key challenges To keep the public aware, not to raise false expectations Media attention is not driven by the EU integration issues (the topic is not very interesting for the media) Proper articulation of civil society initiatives into relevant project proposals Financial support Systematic cooperation of all relevant stakeholders Responsibility of politicians Involving the business sector

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION Government of Serbia European Integration Office Nemanjina 34/V, Belgrade, Serbia