“Relationship Status: It’s complicated. Civil Society Organisations and the EU.”

Article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty requires the institutions – and this includes the European Council and its 28 members – to “maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society”.

The reality often shows a different picture: in many Member States civil society organizations are either ignored or facing open hostility.

In this context, IGO – the Interest Group of Public Benefit Organizations has already organized a dialogue in and with Austrian civil society twice: 2016 focused on charitable law, 2017 on the future of democracy. In 2018, during the Austrian Presidency of the EU Council, IGO joins forces with the European Civic Forum in carrying forward the legacy of civil society forums in countries holding the EU Presidencies over the last ten years.

The invitation is to a two (half)day long discussion regarding the role and challenges faced by civil society organizations in Austria and in the European Union in their daily work and relations with the governing institutions.

On day one, the invitation primarily goes to those in charge and members or employees of civil society organizations from Austria and abroad. Working language will be English.

On day two, in addition to those attending on day one, representatives of Austrian and European institutions as well as all interested citizens are invited. Working language will be German. For simultaneous translation English – German will be taken care of.

Participation is free of charge. Limited space. Registrations will be considered in the order of their receipt.