DG NEAR Guidelines assessments

The three pillars of the DG NEAR Guidelines

The overall objective of the Guidelines is to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU approximation process in the Enlargement region through an enhanced contribution of civil society.

1. 1

   Enabling environment

   Can civil society organisations work freely and safely?

   SO1: A conducive environment for civil society to carry out its activities is in place

   What the assessment looks at

   Registration and operation, freedom of association, assembly and expression, protection from pressure and attacks, proportionate anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism measures, support for grass-roots initiatives, access to funding, public support, tax and volunteering

   See the expected results

   • SO 1.1 All individuals and legal entities in the Enlargement region can establish, join and participate in non-formal and/or registered organisations, can assemble peacefully and can express themselves freely
   • SO 1.2 Public authorities protect CSOs from interference and attacks and respect their right to privacy
   • SO 1.3 Measures used to fight extremism, terrorism, money laundering or corruption are targeted and proportionate, in line with the risk-based approach, and respect human rights standards on freedom of association, assembly and expression
   • SO 1.4 Public authorities treat all CSOs equally with regards to their operations, and equitably with other entities (such as businesses)
   • SO 1.5 Central and/or local public authorities have enabling policies and rules for small community organisations and civic initiatives (grass-roots organisations)
   • SO 1.6 All CSOs are free to solicit and receive funding
   • SO 1.7 Public financial and non-financial support to CSOs is available in IPA beneficiaries, and provided in a transparent, accountable, fair and non-discriminatory manner
   • SO 1.8 Individuals and corporations enjoy tax benefits for their donations to CSOs
   • SO 1.9 Tax benefits are available to CSOs
   • SO 1.10 The policies and legal environment provide incentives and facilitate volunteering and employment in CSOs

2. 2

   Cooperation with institutions

   Are civil society organisations involved in decisions?

   SO2: Strengthened cooperation and partnership between CSOs and public institutions

   What the assessment looks at

   Public consultation, working groups, recognition of civil society’s role in policy debate and EU integration, cooperation strategies and the councils meant to carry them

   See the expected results

   • SO 2.1 Public authorities and institutions include CSOs in decision- and policy-making processes
   • SO 2.2 Public authorities and institutions acknowledge the importance of civil society in societal policy debate and EU integration processes
   • SO 2.3 Public authorities contribute to civil society strengthening by cooperating with civil society through strategic policy frameworks and relevant institutional mechanisms

3. 3

   Capacity and resilience

   Do they have the people, skills and funding to do their work?

   SO3: CSO capacity and resilience to carry out their activities effectively are reinforced

   What the assessment looks at

   Governance, transparency, communication of results, monitoring and evaluation, use of evidence, partnerships, funding base and staff

   See the expected results

   • SO 3.1 CSOs’ internal governance structures follow the principles of good governance
   • SO 3.2 CSOs are able to communicate the results of their activities to the public
   • SO 3.3 CSOs are transparent about their programme activities and sources of funding
   • SO 3.4 CSOs monitor and evaluate the results and impact of their work
   • SO 3.5 CSOs use research and evidence to underpin their work
   • SO 3.6 CSOs work in fair and respectful partnerships to achieve shared goals
   • SO 3.7 CSOs have a diversified funding base
   • SO 3.8 CSOs have effective, empowered and developed human resources