Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with Civil Society in external relations

An empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system and is an asset in itself. It represents and fosters pluralism and can contribute to more effective policies, equitable and sustainable development and inclusive growth. It is an important player in fostering peace and in conflict resolution. By articulating citizens' concerns, civil society organisations (CSOs) are active in the public arena, engaging in initiatives to further participatory democracy. They embody a growing demand for transparent and accountable governance.

While states carry the primary responsibility for development and democratic governance, synergies between states and CSOs can help overcome challenges of poverty, widening inequalities, social exclusion and unsustainable development. CSOs' participation in policy processes is key to ensuring inclusive and effective policies. CSOs therefore contribute to building more accountable and legitimate states, leading to enhanced social cohesion and more open and deeper democracies.

The EU gives value to a dynamic, pluralistic and competent civil society and recognizes the importance of constructive relations between states and CSOs. Therefore the emphasis of the EU policy will be on CSOs' engagement to build stronger democratic processes and accountability systems and to achieve better development outcomes.

EUR-Lex: COM(2012)492: Follow the progress of this document through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2012:492:FIN

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