92001E1631

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1631/01

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: White Paper on European Governance

Would the Commission clarify what steps it has taken to ensure that civil society is consulted in full about the preparation of the White Paper on European Governance?

In this context, would the Commission clarify the role of the Working Group on Civil Society Participation?

How does the Commission intend to ensure that earlier recommendations from civil society on how to improve relations between the EU and NGOs will be fed into the discussions on the White Paper on European Governance?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

External consultation, involving civil society, formed an important part of the preparatory work for the White Paper on governance. In the spirit of good governance, a report on the consultations carried out by all the working groups during the preparatory process will very shortly be available via the Europa website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/governance/index_en.htm.

The members of the working group on the consultation and participation of civil society and regional and local players have conducted hearings collectively and taken part individually in events organised by civil society players in connection with the preparation of the White Paper.

The main feedback from non-governmental organisations is set out in the report on the consultation process and was duly taken into account in drawing up the recommendations in the governance White Paper.