EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform officially launched

At the inaugural meeting in Kiev, on 16 and 17 April, the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform was established following a lengthy preparatory process. High-level representatives from the Ukrainian government, together with the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, were present and pointed to the importance of taking into account the voice of civil society in implementing the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

The rules of procedure for the new civil society joint body have been agreed. It is now up to both sides to decide which topics to discuss at the body's first working meeting, so as to make its contribution as efficient as possible. Challenges in the energy policy sphere, as well as implementation of the rule of law, with a special focus on combating corruption, could be among the first issues to be debated. Furthermore, the review of the implementation of the Association Agreement will be discussed at every meeting.

Together with the Association Council, the Association Committee and the Parliamentary Association Committee, the Civil Society Platform is a joint body provided for in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. It will offer a forum for the civil society representatives of both sides to meet and monitor implementation of the Association Agreement.

The EU side of the Platform is composed of 9 EESC members and 6 observers from other large EU level civil society organisations, including the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. During a transitional period, the Ukrainian side will bring together 26 representatives from all civil society sectors - NGOs, employers' associations and trade unions, as well as the National Facilitator of the Ukrainian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. After the new elections on the composition of the Ukrainian side of the Platform in November 2015, membership will be reduced to 15.

The Platform will meet twice a year, alternating between Brussels and Ukraine, and will discuss issues and prepare reports on topics deemed important by both sides in the implementation process of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Its recommendations will be forwarded to the Association Council and other relevant authorities and bodies.