CVEK

This Seminar was organized by the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) of the Council of Europe in the context of the Slovak chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (November 2008 – May 2008). It should be noted that one of the three priorities of the Slovak chairmanship precisely consists in “promoting a citizens’ Europe” and “in strengthening the participation of civil society in the decision-making process at both national and multi-national levels”.

The main aim of this activity was to facilitate contacts between Slovak NGOs and their counterparts at the European level, in particular the INGOs enjoying participatory status with the Council of Europe. This should make it easier for Slovak NGOs to take part in the activities of the INGOs and the Council of Europe, thus strengthening the role of civil society in Slovakia and increasing the visibility of Slovak NGOs in Europe. At the same time, it should offer them an appropriate institutional framework, thus fostering exchanges and partnerships.

A further aim was to familiarize Slovak NGOs with the Council of Europe’s legal instruments in the fields covered during the conference as well as to raise awareness and understanding among the INGOs on Slovak civil society achievements and challenges.

It was proposed that the main topics focus on democracy/citizenship/participation through social issues, especially violence against women, including domestic violence.

Objectives of the Seminar: 
1. To support Slovak NGOs and learn from their experience;
2. To compare the Slovak legislation regarding NGOs and Slovak consultation mechanisms between NGOs and public authorities with the European standards and practice and to foster relations between NGOs and public authorities;
3. To foster contact and co-operation between Slovak NGOs and INGOs enjoying participatory status with the Council of Europe;
4. To familiarize Slovak NGOs with the Council of Europe’s activities, including campaigns and legal instruments. 

Main groups targeted:

Slovak NGOs and INGOs enjoying participatory status with the Council of Europe.