For civil society in Central and Eastern Europe more than elsewhere, the concerns are grave. Democratic institutions are fragile, civic culture is weak, corruption is eroding public welfare, the confidence in the public institutions as well as social capital. Populism flourishes further opening the path to authoritarianism. The moderating influence of the European institutions and of the older democracies is muted by the domestic crisis in the old EU member states. 10 years after the EU accession, civil society organizations in Central and Eastern Europe are challenged more than ever to significantly influence EU in the field of democracy and the rule of law. The session will open the debate on the priorities and the ways for civil society in the region to define and carry out together advocacy initiatives at the EU level.

Speakers:

Pawel Krzeczunowicz, Civil society expert (PL) 

Paweł Krzeczunowicz has for a dozen years been involved in dialogue with NGOs throughout Eastern and Southern Europe. He was elected by a group of Polish NGOs to act as their Representative in Brussels and ran the Polish NGO Office in Brussels to assist his country's NGO community to prepare for membership of the European Union. He continued his involvement with civil society issues working in the secretariat managing the EEA & Norway Grants, participating in setting up of grant schemes in support of civil society in fifteen countries. He has come to understand very clearly the operational challenges and funding traps faced by local civil society grantees and funders.

Oli Henman, European Representative of CIVICUS (UK)

 Oli has considerable experience in working with civil society in Europe and in South America. He started work in the favelas and rainforests of Brazil on participatory budgeting and is a specialist on engagement between civil society and governments. He is the European Representative of CIVICUS: the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, where he is active in promoting good practice in engagement and developing key forums for dialogue. In his previous role at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) he spearheaded the development of the European Network of National Civil Society Associations (ENNA) that links national bodies for NGOs across Europe; he was also a co-drafter of the Council of Europe's Code of Good Practice on Civil Participation.

Codru Vrabie, Civil Society activist, Funky Citizens

Educated in political science and law, with an MA in European Public Affairs from Maastricht University, Codru Vrabie has been involved with anti-corruption reforms in Romania for more than 10 years. He served two mandates as civil society representative on the National Integrity Council and just ended his service in the Steering Committee at FOI Advocates Network. Well known for his activism, Codru currently works in matters related to good governance, public administration and justice reform.

Moderator:

âMariana Milosheva - Krushe, Managing partner of CREDA consulting (Creative Development Alternatives) (BG)

Mariana Milosheva-Krushe is managing partner of CREDA consulting (Creative Development Alternatives). She has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of democracy and civil society development in Bulgaria and Central and Eastern Europe. As an NGO activist in Bulgaria in the 90’s she has developed and tested innovative initiatives for Roma inclusion. She also has extensive knowledge on issues of civil society and donors policies in the region, based on leading over 35 evaluations in various areas of civil society in Europe in the past 15 years.