Radoš: We all have room for improvement of mutual cooperation

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Zagreb, 15th December 2014 - "The various state institutions, civil society organizations and citizens, they all have provided framework for participation in decision-making bodies in the EU. However, in each of these relationships, we all have room for improvement of participation and co-operation", said Radoš in the House of Europe at a seminar entitled "Methods of communication of representatives in the EU Parliament with the Croatian Parliament and non-governmental organizations".

Introduction to the seminar was given by Mr. Jozo Radoš, HNS's MEP and a member of the ALDE Group, while speakers on the event were Mr. Ivan Jakovčić, IDS's MEP and a member of the ALDE Group, Mr. Igor Kolman, Vice-president of the Croatian Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs (HNS) as well as Mr. Gordan Bosanac, senior analyst of the Centre for Peace Studies and the president of the Platform for International Citizen Solidarity of Croatia.

Mr. Jozo Radoš began the seminar by explaining the intricate mechanism by which MEPs communicate with national parliaments, governments, civil society organizations and citizens, while emphasizing that though mechanisms do exist, their potential is not nearly as used as it should be.

"Different public institutions, non-governmental organizations and citizens, that is all of us, have a certain position within a common framework that allows them to participate in the decision-making of the European Union. However, within the framework, there is room for strengthening the participation and mutual cooperation," said Radoš.

Mr. Ivan Jakovčić emphasized the need to institutionalize the channels of communication, as this is a matter of national interest of Croatia as it shall strengthen its position in the policymaking process, which is good for Croatian citizens. Mr. Jakovčić especially highlighted that MEPs should be precisely informed on any relevant initiatives to which they could contribute with their efforts in the European Parliament.

Being active and educated is a precondition for citizens to be able to understand and participate in the decision-making, said Mr. Igor Kolman. Available mechanism for political participation are often complex, and citizen must find a way to engage themselves in order to influence the policymaking process. Aside from traditional methods of actively participating in politics, such as through national parties and parliaments, Croatian citizens as citizens of the European Union can participate in the process of European policymaking through political parties on the European level as well as through mechanisms of direct democracy such as the European Citizens' Initiative.

After Croatia entered into the European Union, Croatian NGO-s gained another dimension in their work in addition to their monitoring and participation in the policymaking of the Croatian Parliament. Civil society organizations became capable of actively participating in the European policymaking process. In their work so far, membership and working through European associations and networks of likeminded organizations was recognized as the most important factor of success.

"Tradition of cooperation with liberal parties in Croatia, especially on the matters of political and civil liberties, is a good foundation for expanding the cooperation with European liberals of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament," said Gordan Bosanac.

Conclusion that can be drawn from the seminar is that the ALDE Group, as the most dynamic parliamentary group in the EP, recognizes the need to improve the communication channels on all levels. Such a conclusion is the basis upon which Croatian MEPs and members of the ALDE Group Mr. Radoš and Mr. Jakovčić shall endeavour to achieve a full cooperation with the Croatian Assembly, Croatian Government, NGO-s and citizens. In addition, it can be concluded that establishing a system of exchange of information and cooperation on all levels of policymaking requires a serious approach if the effort is to result in the improvement of efficacy of political action of citizens as well as elected representatives in all institutions of the Croatian and European politics.

Seminar was attended by members of the Croatian Parliament, Assistant Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Hrvoje Marušić, president of IDS Boris Miletić, members of the Presidencies of HNS and IDS, representatives of civil society organizations: ODRAZ, Centre for democracy and law Miko Tripalo, Academy for Political Development, Institute for Public Administration, Centre for Education, Advice and Research - CESI, Forum for liberty of education, Serbian democratic assembly and Censure Plus.

Participants agreed that further work on improving mutual cooperation between all of the stakeholders in the process of European policymaking is very important.

Seminar was moderated by Mr. Jozo Radoš, and was held under the sponsorship of the European Parliament (ALDE Group).