Strengthening Civil Society in Eastern Partnership Countries: Mobilizing NGOs for EU Integration

About the event

As part of the larger project, Strengthening Security and Geopolitical Resilience in South Caucasus and EaP Countries, this interactive workshop will empower NGOs from Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia to promote effectively EU integration. This event facilitates peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing with expert speakers from both EU member states like Poland, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Eastern Partnership countries. Participants will engage in hands-on activities covering storytelling, digital media, and coalition building, equipping them with the skills to drive meaningful change. This includes strategies and best practices for NGOs to successfully absorb pre-accession funds and for working with stakeholders and government sectors. Join us to learn how to make a lasting impact in your community and contribute to the EU integration process.

Programme

09:00 Welcome Coffee & Registration

09:30 Opening Remarks. Welcome and introduction by ELF and FNF representatives.

Overview of the workshop objectives and expected outcomes.

Speakers:

Milosz Hodun, Member of the Board, European Liberal Forum (ELF)
Raimar Wagner, Project director for Romania and Republic of Moldova, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF)

09:40 The Role of Civil Society in Driving EU Integration

The significance of EU enlargement for Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia.
Importance of NGOs mobilization in advancing democratic reforms.
Growth Plan for Moldova and implementation of the Association Agreement.

Keynote address: Rodica Crudu, Secretary of State for European Integration at the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

10:00 Panel Discussion: Communicating EU Values Effectively.

Case studies on successful NGOs initiatives promoting EU integration.
Strategies for using storytelling, digital tools, and social media to engage citizens.

Speakers:

Milosz Hodun, Project Polska, Poland
Mario Nicolini, NATO StratCom COE, Slovakia
Moderator: TBC

11:30 Coffee break

12:00 Workshop Activity I: Mapping Challenges and Opportunities.

Identifying key challenges NGOs face in raising awareness about EU integration.
Opportunities to overcome these challenges using innovative communication strategies.

Speakers:

Igor Ciurea, LID Moldova, Republic of Moldova.
Alexey Savchuk, Ukraine.
George Melashvili, Europe-Georgia Institute (EGI), Georgia.
Moderator: TBC

13.30 Lunch Break and Networking Session.

Opportunity for participants to connect and share experiences.

14.30 Workshop Activity II: Strategic Planning and strengthening civic support for accession.

Hands-on activity where participants design actionable strategies for NGOs to promote EU values and democratic reforms.
Frameworks for building effective coalitions among civil society organizations, multipliers, and stakeholders.
Best practices for collaboration and resource sharing.

Presentation of group findings and discussion on implementation plans.

Speakers:

Cristian David, Institute for Freedom and Democracy (ILD), Romania.
Zinaida Zlatanova, Liberal Institute for Policy Analysis, Bulgaria

Moderator:

16.00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Recap of key discussions and identification of action items.
Planning for participation in the upcoming workshops in Bucharest and Tbilisi.
Invitation to contribute to the publication for the Brussels conference.

Facilitator: Raimar Wagner, Project director for Romania and Republic of Moldova, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF)

16:30 Closing Remarks

Final thoughts from ELF and FNF representatives.
Acknowledgment of participants and commitment to ongoing collaboration.

In cooperation with FNF Romania

An event organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) with the support of FNF Romania. Co-funded by the European Parliament. The views expressed herein are those of the speaker(s) alone. These views do not necessarily reflect those of the European Parliament and/or the European Liberal Forum.