Civil Society Conference of Eastern Partnership Program Started in Tallinn

Tallinn / 25.10.17 / Turan: The problems faced by civil society institutions in the Eastern Partnership countries are discussed at the EU Conference on Tangible Results for People: Envisioning the Eastern Partnership in 2020 and Beyond, which began in Tallinn today.

According to the correspondent of Turan reporting from Tallinn, at the opening of the conference it was stressed that there are countries in which NGOs are accused of trying to violate the stability in the state. It was stated that countries where there are attacks on NGOs cannot be considered democratic.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Estonian President Kirsti Kaliulaid stated that the cooperation of governments and civil society guarantees the sustainable development of the state.

"Civil society activities facilitate the work of the government, NGOs advise additional steps for development and contribute to solving problems. It is a very convenient way of organizing work," she said.

The head of the Belarusian group of the Human Rights Center Vesna, Ales Bialiatski, in his turn stated that with respect to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova the EU should adopt a program similar to the Marshall Plan, as these countries are most ready for integration. This, he said, will be a signal to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus that only an open society can become a guarantee for providing assistance.

In her video address, EU High Representative for External Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini noted that Brussels knows that NGOs work in difficult conditions. She said civil society is trying to improve the situation with combating corruption and ensuring media freedom.

The conference will last two days. -71C--