Skopje, 28 March 2023 (MIA) – The models for participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the EU accession process that are being discussed at Tuesday's event “Civil society organizations – catalysts for the European integration of North Macedonia” are direct involvement in the working groups for all chapters and clusters, broader and sub-thematic consultations, and the inclusion of individuals nominated by CSOs in certain groups, said Deputy PM for European Affairs and Chief Negotiator with the EU, Bojan Marichikj

Marichikj said CSOs represent a key element in the process of the country's European integration.

“The greatest responsibility falls on the Government, Parliament and politicians, but the process cannot be fully successful without openness, accountability, consultation and participation of civil society organizations. That is why we have had several rounds of consultations since the start of negotiations. We have even asked the Government's Council for cooperation with CSOs to look over possibilities to include these organizations in the negotiation process,” he added.

Marichikj said that a foreign expert prepared an analysis offering three options to involve civil society organizations.

“One option is to directly involve them in the working groups for all chapters and clusters, an option that requires the highest amount of responsibility and engagement from NGOs, then broader consultations and sub-thematic consultations instead of participation in the working groups, and the third is a combined model which includes thematic consultations and involvement of individuals nominated by CSOs in some groups,” he said.

EU Ambassador David Geer, Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jain and State Secretary at the Secretariat for European Affairs, Drita Abdiu Halili, also delivered addresses at the discussion.

After the addresses, the expert on cooperation with civil society organizations in the negotiations for EU accession, Momchilo Radulovikj, presented the models.