The 15th Annual Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum was held in Brussels on November 14-16, 2023. The event brought together more than 250 representatives of civil society organizations from the Eastern Partnership and the European Union. The main objective of the assembly was to discuss the future of the Eastern Partnership's multilateral cooperation, the role of civil society and how to ensure its sustainability in a dynamic future.
Taking into account the changes in the Eastern Partnership policy and the region after Russia's attack on Ukraine, the assembly focused on exploring the interaction between the Eastern Partnership policy and the enlargement program. Special attention was paid to cooperation with the Western Balkans and Central Asia. The Assembly addressed issues of cooperation between the European Union, EU Member States, Eastern Partnership governments and civil society, with a focus on the areas of good governance and the rule of law.
Special attention will be paid to creating an enabling environment for civil society, in the face of cyber attacks and hybrid threats. Discussions sparked topics on how the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries can strengthen each other through closer cooperation.
Special attention will be paid to creating an enabling environment for civil society, in the face of cyber attacks and hybrid threats. Discussions sparked topics on how the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries can strengthen each other through closer cooperation.
Eastern Partnership policy is at a crossroads and the partners are becoming increasingly diverse in their aspirations vis-à-vis the EU. The region faces common challenges and goals, including security threats from Russia and aspirations for European integration. In this context, civil society plays a key role in participating in decision-making, holding government accountable and supporting inclusive reform processes.
The assembly included a panel discussion on "Promoting Democratization and Countering Authoritarianism", which was moderated by Maksim Pazniakou, Acting Chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BCDTU). Participants discussed security issues actively stimulated by anti-democratic and authoritarian forces within countries. The importance of cooperation of democratic forces to eliminate threats to democratic processes in the Eastern Partnership countries emphasized the need for joint efforts of civil society and international partners.
The aim of the assembly is to develop proposals to sustain democratic processes and counter authoritarianism at the country and regional levels. In the face of change and complex challenges facing the region, civil society continues to be an important driving force for positive change and democratic consolidation.
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