First Summit of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum takes place in Vienna
The 1st Summit of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) was held in Vienna from 19 to 21 November.
The EaP CSF Civil Society Summit brings together EU and EaP civil society organisations and decision makers to discuss the future shape of the Eastern Partnership multilateral cooperation, the role of civil society and how to ensure its future resilience.
“We will continue to support civil society in Eastern partner countries as part of our unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy, peace and reconciliation,” said EU High Representative Josep Borrell, addressing the summit via a video message.
Recognising the role of civil society as a driving force for the reforms in the Eastern Partnership countries, the General Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum adopted its resolution, which will inform the 7th Eastern Partnership Summit of 2025 under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The resolution calls on the international community to strengthen the support of Ukraine and to redouble efforts and step up their commitment to the build-up of democracy in Belarus and Azerbaijan. It also “strongly” recommends that the Georgian authorities revise the adopted law on transparency of foreign influence.
“We urge the European Union to prioritise democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law over short-term interests, including energy agreements and supplies, when engaging with EaP countries’ governments,” the resolution says.
The document also calls on the EU, its Member States and EaP countries to continue the Eastern Partnership policy and promote the role of civil society therein, including the EaP CSF.
Among the 107 delegates in presence, 90 voted in favour, 11 against and 6 abstained.
The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum also welcomed the exhibition from the Gay Alliance Ukraine – ‘Those Tempered at Daybreak’. This exhibition highlights the story of Ukrainian LGBTQIA+ people, and the difficulties they have faced since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
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