Towards Open Governance: Civil Society Participation and Policy Impact
Implementation Period: 1 January 2026 – 28 February 2027
Project Duration: 14 months
Description:
The project aims to strengthen the capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in strategic advocacy and institutional participation, in order to enhance their presence in consultation processes and policy co-creation mechanisms. The project focuses both on knowledge transfer and on the practical application of advocacy through tools and participatory actions. It includes the mapping of public consultation tools, the development of educational materials, the organization of workshops and thematic meetings with public authorities, capacity-building activities for evidence-based advocacy interventions, and the exchange of good practices with partners from other EU Member States.
Within the framework of the project, the following key activities and results will be implemented:
- Mapping of public consultation tools, aiming to identify and present the available mechanisms through which CSOs can participate in policy-making processes.
- Organization of experiential advocacy training workshops for representatives of civil society organizations in Athens and Thessaloniki, aiming to strengthen practical skills and tools for engaging in public dialogue.
Athens: 30 April and 5 June 2026
Thessaloniki: 7 May and 29 May 2026
- Production of educational materials and short advocacy videos, presenting key concepts, practical approaches, and examples of advocacy strategies.
- Development of a network for the exchange of good practices at national and European level, aiming to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing among civil society organizations.
- Thematic meetings and dialogue actions with public authorities, aiming to strengthen the institutional participation of CSOs and foster communication channels with policy-makers.
Disclaimer
The project “ENGAGE – Towards Open Governance: Civil Society Participation and Policy Impact” is implemented within the framework of the PLATO programme, with Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability (HIGGS) as the implementing organisation.
The programme “Protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law through an open civic space” (PLATO) aims to strengthen the protection and awareness of the fundamental rights and values of the European Union by supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Greece and Cyprus that operate in these fields, while also enhancing their knowledge, capacities, and long-term sustainability.
PLATO is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the Bodossaki Foundation, and the NGO Support Centre, with a total grant amount of €3.1 million. The programme is coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation (Greece) in partnership with the NGO Support Centre (Cyprus).
Funded by the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the Bodossaki Foundation or the NGO Support Centre. Neither the European Union nor the EACEA or the Bodossaki Foundation or the NGO Support Centre can be held responsible for them.
