1. DG NEAR's Centre of Thematic Expertise on Civil Society Support Mikael Erbs-Jorgensen Centre of Thematic Expertise on Civil Society Support Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Skopje, April 2016

2. DG NEAR CENTRES OF THEMATIC EXPERTISE COTEs are providing service to geographical units, delegations and senior management on policy analysis, formulation & implementation. Focus on core policy objectives of new DG NEAR. Bring about clear, concrete and rapid benefits from implementation of our instruments. Ensure greater effectiveness and impact of EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies.

3. MAIN TASKS OF COTEs Horizontal policy development for DG NEAR. Analysis and monitoring of EU policy developments through contacts with EEAS, EU Delegations, line DGs & EU agencies. Analysis of partner countries' progress and reforms. Participation in policy discussions. Identification and dissemination of best practices. Quality control and support to programme preparations and implementation.

4. Seven COTEs in DG NEAR Civil Society Support Connectivity, environment & regional development Crisis reaction & security sector reform Economic Governance Migration Public Administration Reform (PAR) Rule of Law/Fundamental Rights and Democracy

5. COTE Civil Society Support – Key tasks Policy analysis, development and support to strengthen capacities of CSOs & enhance enabling environments. Enlargement: promote standardisation of civil society sections in Annual Reports. Neighbourhood: support implementation, updates and monitoring of Roadmaps on CSO support. Quality assurance & support for IPA and ENI planning and programming.

6. COTE Civil Society Support – Main activities and results Stocktaking exercise to establish inventory & community of practice. Guidance on engagement and consultation with CSOs on elaboration of Single Support Frameworks. Joint initiative with DEVCO to develop guidance on mainstreaming civil society in sector-specific actions. Guidance on modalities to simplify, enhance and diversify outreach to CSOs. Policy analysis & guidance on support to CSOs in difficult environments.

7. Thank you for your attention! Centre for Thematic Expertise on Civil Society Support DG NEAR near-civilsociety@ec.europa.eu near-civilsociety@ec.europa.eu