Contribution by Evelin Lichtenberger, alternate member of the Convention

The role of the civil society

The final report of the Working Group XI on Social Europe states: “A
consensus was reached within the Group on the following points: - … -
distinguishing it from the role of social partners in industrial
bargaining, the treaty could recognise a certain consultative role for
the civil society”

Why is it important to recognize this role? How could the consultation
procedure work? For which acts of the Union could it be used?

Reasons

1. Efficiency through expertise Civil society is a reservoir of
knowledge. The efficiency of acts of the Union could be increased by
tapping it.

2. Transparency Civil society can participate only if the procedures of
the organs of the Union are transparent. The participation of the civil
society will result in a Union that is closer to the citizens.

3. Strengthen public support and legitimacy An act will win more public
support and democratic legitimacy, if the public concerned has had the
opportunity to participate in the legislative process.

Procedure

Civil society or rather the public, which means one or more natural or
legal persons and/or their associations, organizations or groups, needs
the following information and rights to be able to play a consultative
role:

a) The public has to be informed in due course about any possible
decision taken. b) The public has to be informed about the competent
authority to which comments or questions may be submitted. c) The public
needs to have access, in the standard legal frame, to all relevant
documents regarding this decision. d) The public has to be entitled to
express comments and opinions before the decision is taken. e)
Reasonable time-frames have to be provided. f) Due account has to be
taken of the results of the public participation. g) The public has to
be informed about the decision taken and the reasons and considerations
upon which that decision is based.

To read the full contribution:
http://register.consilium.eu.int/pdf/en/03/cv00/cv00546en03.pdf