On 13 May, AFEW International participated in the launch event of the policy paper “Resilient Democracies in the EaP and EU: Strengthening Civil Societies’ Capacities”, organized by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) in Brussels. The event brought together key stakeholders to explore how civil society can be empowered to safeguard and strengthen democratic values across the Eastern Partnership and the European Union.
The panel debate featured distinguished participants, including:
- Mr. Martin Vane, Interim Director, EaP Civil Society Forum
- Ms. Nino Jibuti, Author of the policy paper
- Ms. Lena Karlsson, Expert on Gender Equality, DG ENEST, European Commission
- Mr. Marinko Raos, International Relations Officer, European Committee of the Regions
- Ms. Andreea Scriosteanu, Vice-President, European Youth Forum
The policy paper underscores the essential role of non-formal and informal education, particularly in reaching marginalized groups, fostering inclusive participation, and combating disinformation through media literacy. It emphasizes lifelong learning as a critical driver for both sustainable development and digital transformation.
Crucially, the paper calls for innovative communication channels between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries to bolster regional cooperation and ensure meaningful civil society participation in policymaking, especially in the face of anti-democratic trends.
AFEW supports the initiative’s focus on empowering underserved communities and enabling more inclusive, informed, and participatory democratic processes.
📄 Read the full policy paper here: How Can Civil Society Be Reinforced to Help Build Resilient Democracies in the Eastern Partnership?
