Civil Society Days Strengthening democratic spaces for civil society in the European public sphere Civil dialogue practices in Europe The example of a joint initiative The Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Process

Civil dialogue practices in Europe National framework agreements exist in 15+ countries in Europe Voluntary agreements public authorities and civil society/NGOs Sets out each partners indispensable roles and responsibility Article 11 An opportunity for a structured public space for European civil dialogue? The Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Process a common European project

The Code of Good Practice Purpose: create enabling environment for civil society involvement in political decision-making Championed by Conference of INGOs Legal background, Committee of Minister Recommendation (2007)14 on the legal status of NGOs in Europe Builds on civil society best practices local/regional/national levels in 47+1 countries Consultation and collective drafting by civil society Adopted 2009 in Kyiv Supported in a declaration, Committee of Ministers Clearly needed, Parliamentary Assembly To be promoted, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Code content and structure Part One - policy I.Introduction II.Objectives and Target III.General Framework for Civil Participation Parameters Principles – shared values Conditions - responsibilities Part One - policy I.Introduction II.Objectives and Target III.General Framework for Civil Participation Parameters Principles – shared values Conditions - responsibilities Part Two - practice IV.How to Engage Levels of Participation Steps in the Political Decision-Making Process Cross-cutting tools and mechanisms V.Matrix of Civil Participation Part Two - practice IV.How to Engage Levels of Participation Steps in the Political Decision-Making Process Cross-cutting tools and mechanisms V.Matrix of Civil Participation Implementation

Agenda setting Drafting Decision Monitoring Implementation Reformulation Steps in the political decision-making process

Partnership Dialogue -Broad -Collaborative Dialogue -Broad -Collaborative Consultation Information Low High Levels of participation From low to high intensity

Example matrix Partnership Permanent work group of committee Co-draftingJoint decision- making tools Delegations of tasks Strategic partnerships Permanent work groups or committee Dialogue Training seminars Petitioning Citizens initiative Experts seminars and meetings Multi-stakeholder committees Advisory bodies Open plenary or committee sessions Capacity building seminars Training seminars Evaluations conferences Research studies Seminars and deliberative forums Permanent working group or committee Consultation Hearings Events, conferences, forums, seminars Expert seminars and meetings Public forums Quick polls Minimum standards for consultation Consultation plans Web-based consultation Hearings Experts seminars and meetings Open plenary or committee sessions Referendums Events, conferences, forums, seminars Feedback mechanisms, polls, surveys, questionnaires Evidence gathering Seminars and deliberative forums Information Information access points for key documents Key government contact Campaigning Events, conferences, forums, seminars Research Single information point on current drafting Campaigning Hearings CampaigningSingle information point on ideas for implementation FAQ Public tendering procedures Websites and alerts Single information point on policy progress Single information point for evaluations etc. Levels of participation Steps in the political decision making process Agenda settingDraftingDecisionImplementationMonitoringReformulation

Whats next? Already in practice across Europe multiple uses Implementation ongoing building a case bank Basis for common European experiences, values and best practices Use it, build on it, leverage on it!

Thank you for your attention! For further information: Council of Europe website: