Relations with Civil Society organisations 

Europe has a vibrant and diverse civil society, represented by organisations active at local, regional, national and European level. The European Parliament - the European Union’s only directly elected institution - is committed to maintaining an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these organisations, ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process and that EU policies reflect the needs and aspirations of citizens.

Parliament fosters this exchange through regular and transparent consultations and forums. The objective is to establish a structured dialogue that ensures constant exchange, strengthening of democratic participation, generating expertise into policymaking, and helping the EU remain responsive to the concerns of its citizens.

By engaging with civil society, Parliament ensures that different perspectives contribute to shaping debates and informing decision-making at the European level.

Background

Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, participatory democracy has been a constitutional principle of the European Union, with the aim of strengthening its democratic legitimacy. Article 11 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) promotes inclusive, transparent and participatory policymaking. It states:

  1. The institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.
  2. The institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society.
  3. The European Commission shall carry out broad consultations with parties concerned in order to ensure that the Union's actions are coherent and transparent.
  4. Not less than one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member States may take the initiative of inviting the European Commission, within the framework of its powers, to submit any appropriate proposal on matters where citizens consider that a legal act of the Union is required for the purpose of implementing the Treaties.
  5. The procedures and conditions required for such a citizens' initiative shall be determined in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 24 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Paragraph 1 codifies and strengthens the principle of participatory democracy, establishing it as a fundamental value of the European Union. 

Paragraph 2 formalises the process of "civil dialogue", promoting open, transparent, and inclusive interaction between civil society and EU institutions to contribute to policy development and implementation.

Paragraph 3 obliges the European Commission to ensure transparent and informed policymaking, including through the conduct of public consultations.

Paragraphs 4 and 5 introduce the European Citizens Initiative (ECI), a tool that allows citizens to call on the European Commission to propose legislation in areas where the EU has competence.

In line with Rule 27(5) of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the President has entrusted two Vice-Presidents with implementing the structured consultation with civil society.

The Vice-Presidents responsible for relations with European civil society organisations - including the European Citizens’ Initiative - are Katarina Barley and Nicolae Ștefănuţă.

Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUŢĂ and Katarina BARLEY    
Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUŢĂ and Katarina BARLEY 

Message from Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament, Katarina Barley and Nicolae Ștefănuţă

At the European level, dialogue with civil society has a long-standing tradition. Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, and in line with Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), it has even been enshrined as a constitutional obligation. With good reason: an open and meaningful dialogue with Europe’s diverse civil society guarantees that all voices and opinions are heard and recognised at European level. Access to EU decision-makers must not be a privilege of well-funded economic interests. Civil society organisations channel societal concerns and convey them to EU institutions, helping to ensure that decisions are informed by the realities and needs of citizens during both the formulation and implementation processes.

At the same time, civil society organisations act as observers of European debates and decisions, interpreting complex processes and engaging their members in discussions. In doing so, they serve as multipliers and help to promote transparency in EU policymaking. For many citizens, the European level can appear abstract and distant. Civil society and its organisations therefore play a crucial role in bridging this gap and connecting citizens to EU decision-making - an essential task in face of growing authoritarian tendencies worldwide.

Dialogue with civil society takes many forms such as public hearings, expert workshops, consultations, and regular exchanges with organisations at every level. The European Parliament also cooperates closely with European umbrella organisations that represent cross-border interests, ensuring that perspectives from all Member States are heard.

As Vice-Presidents responsible for relations with European civil society organisations, we are committed to supporting civil society in contributing to parliamentary debates, monitoring the implementation of EU policies, and holding institutions accountable.