12-12-2024
The European Commission has unveiled its updated Working Methods, a blueprint for enhancing its internal operations, decision-making processes, and stakeholder engagement. This comprehensive document reflects the Commission’s ambition to function as a modern, transparent, and performance-oriented institution. However, for civil society organisations, these updates present both opportunities and challenges that merit close attention.
For civil society organisations, this communication is more than an administrative guide—it is an essential roadmap for navigating and influencing EU policy-making.
What’s New for Civil Society?
- Strengthened Transparency: The extended application of the Transparency Register to all Commission managers is a step toward increased accountability. Yet, this measure also requires professional organisations and individuals to register, which could inadvertently pose challenges for smaller or less-resourced grassroots organisations.
- Streamlined Regulation: The commitment to “better, simpler, and more focused regulation” includes initiatives like the SME and competitiveness check, which aim to reduce administrative burdens. While this benefits businesses, it may raise concerns about potential impacts on social and environmental protections that many CSOs advocate for.
Expanded Citizen Engagement: New initiatives such as annual Youth Policy Dialogues and follow-ups on European Citizens’ Panels’ recommendations signal a push for greater public involvement. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on how well they translate citizens’ input into actionable policy changes.
Balancing Efficiency and Inclusivity
While the updates aim to streamline internal procedures and improve policy coherence, some measures may create unintended barriers for civil society. For instance, the strict confidentiality surrounding preparatory meetings and the reliance on self-regulation for addressing conflicts of interest could limit external scrutiny and public trust.
A Call to Action for Civil Society
These changes underscore the need for NGOs and CSOs to adapt their advocacy strategies to ensure their voices are heard. Proactively engaging with EU institutions, addressing potential access barriers, and closely monitoring the implementation of these measures will be crucial to safeguarding the democratic inclusion of diverse perspectives in EU policymaking.
The new Working Methods present an important juncture for the relationship between the European Commission and civil society. By remaining vigilant and constructive, NGOs can help shape a governance framework that strengthens transparency, inclusivity, and trust in EU institutions.