Civil society has become one of the main allies of the European Union in the process of Europeanisation of new member states, particularly in the field of human rights, building democratic institutions, civic culture and rule of law. The hope was that Central and Eastern European countries will develop into stable liberal democracies, with open and pluralistic societies. The session will explore to what degree these expectations have been fulfilled and how relevant civil society has been in the process up to the present.

Speakers: 

H.E. Astrid Emilie Helle, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Council of Europe (NO)

National approaches to problems facing European society discussed in the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, and the Europe-wide responses to such challenges formulated under the auspices of this collective forum, are ensured by the constant touch of the member states with the organization. Since 2013, Ms. Emilie Astrid Helle is theI utenrikstjenesten fra 1992. Underdirektør i Utenriksdepartementet 2001-03. Permanent Representative of Norway to the Council of Europe.

Karen Fogg, Former Head of EC Delegation in Bucharest (1993-1998) (UK)

Karen Fogg has worked for the EU Commission and was the Head of Delegation in Ankara (1998-2002) and before that in Bucharest (1993-1998). She worked on PHARE and Enlargement since 1990. Prior to that, she worked in development cooperation in central Africa and on food security issues. Joining the Commission in 1973, she first worked on employment, social policy and education. She was assistant secretary general of the International European Movement from 1970-73. Karen Fogg, a British citizen, studied in Bristol, Bruges and Manchester, focusing on European integration and East-West relations.

Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, Professor of Democracy Studies, Hertie School of Governance (RO)

Karen Fogg has worked for the EU Commission and was the Head of Delegation in Ankara (1998-2002) and before that in Bucharest (1993-1998). She worked on PHARE and Enlargement since 1990. Prior to that, she worked in development cooperation in central Africa and on food security issues. Joining the Commission in 1973, she first worked on employment, social policy and education. She was assistant secretary general of the International European Movement from 1970-73. Karen Fogg, a British citizen, studied in Bristol, Bruges and Manchester, focusing on European integration and East-West relations.

Maurice Claassens, Senior Coordinator for Solidar (EU)

As senior coordinator he specializes in the capacity building of a European Network Organization of 61 member organizations from the European Union. This includes the development and implementation of (funding) lobby strategies, explore new policy fields and develop initiatives that enhance the working of the Brussels based secretariat and the member organizations on Member State level. Furthermore, Maurice coordinates – both political and organizational – all of SOLIDAR’s main events.  

Kuba Wygnański, Director of Klon/Jawor Association (PL)

 Kuba Wygnański started his public activity as a Solidarity activist. He participated in historical Round Table talks. After 1989, he became deeply involved in numerous initiatives to support civil society in Poland and other countries. He has established several NGOs, including the KLON/JAWOR Association (a research and information centre for Polish non-profit organisations) and the Forum of Non-Governmental Initiatives (FIP) which plays key role as a representative of the Polish Third Sector. Currently he is a member of the Public Benefit Council and Chairman of the Programme Board of the Polish Public Television.

Moderator:

Ionuţ Sibian, Executive Director of the Civil Society Development Foundation (RO)

 Ionuț Sibian is the executive director of the Civil Society Development Foundation (FDSC), one of the most influential NGOs in Romania. After Romania’s accession to the European Union in 2007, Ionuț Sibian was appointed the representative of the Romanian NGOs in Brussels, at the European Economic and Social Committee. He had previously been the President of the Federation of Romanian Development NGOs (FOND) and a Board member of various European and Romanian NGOs. Ionuț Sibian has an MA in International Relations from the Center for Euro-Atlantic Studies and another one in East-European Studies, granted by the European Union.