Better lawmaking: Participation of civil society
As part of the process of preparing the White Paper on Governance, a report
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produced by the Commission had tabled recommendations on the participation of civil society in political life.
The White Paper established the following action points on this subject:
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Before the end of 2001 the Commission should adopt minimum standards for consultation and publish them in a code of conduct. From 2002 onwards it should develop more extensive partnership arrangements in certain sectors.
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The Economic and Social Committee should play a more proactive role in examining policy, for example through the preparation of exploratory reports.
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The Member States should examine how to improve their consultative processes in the context of EU policy.
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The Council and European Parliament should review their relationship with civil society and, building on the minimum standards for consultation, should help establish a general reference framework for consultation by the end of 2004.
In December 2002 a Commission Communication
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entitled Towards a reinforced culture of consultation and dialogue - General principles and minimum standards for consultation of interested parties by the Commission developed the points made in the White Paper.
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