Press Release: Enhancing democracy and fighting poverty: European Commission commits to further support civil society in partner countries

In a new Communication on "The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations", the European Commission has announced it will engage further and will provide more support to civil society organisations (CSOs) in its partner countries. The Commission recognises that Civil Society organisations can be efficient independent development actors. It commits to promote a more conducive environment for civil society organisations, so that they can fully play their role in the delivery of social services, transparency and good governance advocacy, and contribute to policy making.