There are various entry points for CSOs in the implementation and monitoring process of the Joint Strategy. On the basis of the joint Africa-EU Strategy and Action plan, the six following entry points for CSOs can be mentioned
1. to establish mechanisms for closer cooperation and dialogue between the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the European Parliament (EP) as well as between the AU, Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
2. to create a mapping of existing European and African civil society networks
3. to organise a platform for European and African research institutes and think thanks to provide independent policy advice
4. to form a web portal to facilitate consultations with CSOs ahead of key policy decisions
5. to invite representatives from European and African civil societies to express themselves ahead of Ministerial Troika meetings
6. to establish informal joint expert groups on all priority actions identified in the Action Plan. These informal joint expert groups will bring together African, European, and international key-sectors (including CSOs) with the necessary competence and commitment to work on the priority action concerned. The groups will discuss the implementation and financing of the respective priority actions and in addition they will decide on their own efficient working arrangements. Eventually, they will report to the Troika, and will provide inputs to sectoral Troika Meetings.
The EU side will hold regular meetings between CSOs and relevant Council bodies on progress made in implementing partnerships by institutions and CSOs while the African side will hold regular meetings between CSOs and relevant AU bodies on the progress.
Read more about Civil Society involvement in the ECDPM Report.
CIDO, the AUC department that deals with relations with civil society, have organised a meeting on civil society involvement in Bamako, Mali. It was the 3rd CSO consultation on the joint Africa-EU Strategy following Accra’s meetings of March and October 2007. Some African CSOs were invited to come up with ‘actionable suggestions’ for an ‘engagement strategy’ towards the Africa-EU Joint Partnership on top of autonomous CSO action.
Furthermore, the EU-Africa Business Forum will also be used as a platform for the private sector to influence the implementation and monitoring of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and especially its Action Plans.
