Commissioner Piebalgs highlights the role of Civil Society Organisations at an EU-Africa Partnership Forum
Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs has today participated in the closing session of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Forum of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy in Brussels. The event has mobilised NGOs from both continents to discuss issues such as migration, food security, poverty and peace and security.
In his speech, Commissioner Piebalgs highlighted that CSOs have an important role to play in Africa-EU relations and, more generally, form an essential part of any truly democratic system. He has also recalled that, as watchdogs for pluralism, inclusive policy-making, people’s concerns and participatory democracy, they have a crucial role to play in shaping the discussions and decisions for the Africa-EU Summit in Brussels in April 2014.
Read his full speech here: SPEECH/13/855
