On June 15, Guidelines for inclusion of civil society organisations in the Accession Negotiations of Serbia to the European Union, as well as Recommendations for inclusion of citizens in decision-making process at local level, were presented at workshop for CSOs in the EU Info Centre in Niš.

Belgrade Open School (BOŠ) discussed with colleagues from CSOs from Niš how can citizens and CSOs contribute to EU Accession process of Serbia and how can they participate in decision-making process.

The Project Coordinator of BOŠ in the field of European integration, Vanja Dolapčev, explained when and how citizens can send questions and comments regarding development of Negotiating Positions and monitor the implementation of Chapters. Also, Dolapčev presented Guidelines for inclusion of citizens in different phases of the Negotiating process, as well as the platfrom “Let’s talk about negotiations“ where all the information and documents about the Accession Negotiations of Serbia to the European Union can be found.

The Professor from the Faculty of Law in Niš, Dejan Vučetić, talked about how can citizens participate in decision-making process. He pointed out that legal framework which regulates development of strategic documents was recently updated, and that these changes should enable decision-making which is based on good governance principles: citizen participation in decision-making and transparent, accountable and effective dvelopment of public policies.

The workshop was organised within the Project “Let’s talk about negotations“ which is being implemented since 2013 with the aim of contributing to the Europeanisation of Serbia through the promotion of a transparent and responsible process of EU Accession Negotiations based on the dialogue and partnership between civil society and public authorities. The Project is funded by Open Society Foundation in Serbia.