The European Union (EU) considers Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as critical partners in its external actions in shaping strategies to improve local ownership of development processes. EU defines the CSO as "A civil society organisation is an organisational structure whose members serve the general interest through a democratic process, and which plays the role of mediator between public authorities and citizens." CSOs are non-State, non-profit making actors operating on an independent and accountable basis. They are essential actors in building the foundations for a broad-based democratic process and inclusive and sustainable growth.
They include: nongovernmental organisations, organisations representing indigenous peoples, organisations representing national and/or ethnic minorities, diaspora organisations, migrants' organisations in partner countries, local traders' associations and citizens' groups, cooperatives, employers' associations and trade unions (social partners), organisations representing economic and social interests, organisations fighting corruption and fraud and promoting good governance, civil rights organisations and organisations combating discrimination, local organisations (including networks) involved in decentralised regional cooperation and integration, consumer organisations, women's and youth organisations, environmental, teaching, cultural, research and scientific organisations, universities, churches and religious associations and communities, philosophical and non-confessional organisations, the media and any nongovernmental associations and independent foundations, including independent political foundations.
For more details: Area 5.1 - Civil society organizations | Open Space (europa.eu)
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