PM Lukšić: Civil society enhances democracy, makes state more efficient through checks and support

Podgorica, Montenegro (30 March 2012) – “The civil society not only enhances democracy, it also keeps a check on and gives support to the state, making it more democratic and efficient,” Prime Minister Igor Lukšić said in his opening speech at the round table “Cooperation between the Government and NGOs in Montenegro” held in Podgorica earlier today.

The round table concluded the successful implementation of the project “Active participation of civil society in the creation and implementation of public policies,” implemented by the Centre for Development of NGOs (CRNVO) in partnership with the Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs from Slovenia, and financial support from the European Commission.

The round table reviewed the success of the Government and civil society cooperation, and PM Lukšić noted that an open and constructive dialogue and partnership represents the best practice and good approach in reinforcing the democratic capacities of a society. PM Lukšić noted “the Government is a constructive partner to the NGOs, and we need a partner who will analyse our policy in a constructive, professional, and objective way, relieved of any political agenda.”

By the same token, PM Lukšić noted that the civil society plays an important role in the political life of a democracy, adding that soon after inauguration he launched “Consultation Days”, the broad series of discussion with society stakeholders, by a meeting with representatives of the civil society.

The Prime Minister underlined that “we are not only the first, but the only country in the region that has invited NGOs into the working teams for Chapters 23 and 24” of the acquis communautaire. He also singled out the most important Government activities in the field of strengthening cooperation with civil society in Montenegro:

• Adoption of the Strategy of Cooperation of the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in 2009;
• Adoption of several new laws strengthening the legal framework in this area;
• Establishment of the Council for Cooperation between the Government and NGOs;
• Participation of the NGO representatives in governmental bodies.

In addition, the PM stressed that the Government will provide the necessary logistics and finance for the participation of two NGO representatives in the Joint Consultative Committee of Montenegro and the European Economic and Social Council.

PM Lukšić concluded by reminding that Montenegro is among the 46 countries who joined the US government sponsored initiative “Open Government Partnership”, and reiterated the invitation to NGOs to take part in drafting the Action Plan which will be presented at the annual meeting of the Partnership in Brazil.

Other speakers at the round table were Head of EU Delegation to Montenegro Leopold Maurer, President of the Council for Cooperation between the Government and NGOs Mirsad Bibiović, and CRNVO Executive Director Ana Novaković.