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EU ropainfo
Das Magazin des EU-Umweltbüros
1/20
Österreichische Post AG
SP 19ZO41770 S
EU-Umweltbüro
Strozzigasse 10/8-9, 1080 Wien
Zivilgesellschaft auf dem Vormarsch?
Status quo und Best Practices aus ganz Europa
Editorial / Inhalt Österreich
Österreich
Erstens kommt es anders, zweitens als S. 3
man denkt: Befindet sich die
österreichische Zivilgesellschaft seit
Mai 2019 wieder im Aufwind?
Franz Neunteufl
Freiwilliger Nationaler Umsetzungsbericht S.18
und Partizipation in Österreich
Bernhard Zlanabitnig
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren!
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser! Europa
Foto: © Peter Heinrich / pixelio.de
Der Begriff Partizipation, vom lateinischen Wort particeps Civil Society participation at European level S. 5
– an etwas teilnehmend, ist sehr vielschichtig zu begreifen. Carlotta Besozzi
Ob man nun eine Demonstration organisiert oder wählen
geht – in beiden Fällen partizipiert man am Geschehen und The OSCE-supported Aarhus Centres S. 7
übt damit eine mitbestimmende Kraft auf das (politische) Christian Melis
Geschehen aus. Neben diesen klassischen politischen Teil-
haberechten, erstreckt sich der Begriff Partizipation in
True effort or window-dressing? Engaging S. 8
viele Lebensbereiche: vom Engagement in der Schule, im
Rahmen einer BügerInnen-Initiative, innerhalb der Familie civil society regarding the SDGs in the EU
Patrizia Heidegger
Erstens kommt es anders, zweitens als man denkt:
oder natürlich auch via Interessenvertretung und Lobby-
ing – Partizipation ist vielfältig!
Befindet sich die österreichische Zivilgesellschaft
Wird Partizipation ernst genommen, basiert sie auf einem Finnland
partnerschaftlichen Verhältnis und der Bereitschaft, auch
Developing transparency and civil society S. 10
seit Mai 2019 wieder im Aufwind?
mal Macht abzugeben und sich für gemeinsame Ziele zu
engagieren.
participation in law making processes
in Finland
Der Grad der Teilhabe baut primär auf der Frage auf, ob Maria Wakeham-Hartonen and
Noch vor einem Jahr machte sich in weiten Teilen der österreichischen Zivilgesellschaft Lähmung
Foto: © Franz Neunteufl
und in welchem Ausmaß die Beteiligten mitentscheiden Sami Demirbas
und Depression bemerkbar. Inzwischen ist alles anders: Vieles im Programm der neuen Regierung
können, oder nicht. lässt darauf hoffen, dass die Zivilgesellschaft wieder mehr geschätzt und gehört wird.
Neben politischen (Wahl) und nicht-politischen Partizipa- Irland
Von Franz Neunteufl
tionsformen bzw. formalen (gesetzlich verankerten, z.B.
Europäische BürgerInnen-Initiative, Umweltverträglich- Ireland's Coalition 2030 & the SDGs S. 12
Sarah Franklyn Ende 2018 hatte CIVICUS, eine globale zivil- unterschiedlichste, ineinandergreifende Maß- noch den außerparlamentarischen, zivilge-
keitsprüfung) und nicht-formalen Formen (Demonstra-
gesellschaftliche Allianz mit Sitz in Südafrika, nahmen wurde als Ausdruck einer zuneh- sellschaftlichen Kräften, sondern einem Re-
tion, Mediationsverfahren). Jedes Land entwickelt seine
eigenen Wege der Partizipation. In manchen Ländern gibt Österreich in seinem Civic Space Monitor mend autoritären, rechts-populistischen Po- gierungsmitglied, dem der Machtrausch – fil-
es viel Erfahrung, andere beginnen erst, Formen zu ent- Lettland von „offen“ auf „eingeengt“ herabgestuft. litik empfunden und die Demokratie damit in misch, wenn auch mit fragwürdigen Mitteln,
wickeln bzw. Bereiche für die Mitbestimmung zu öffnen. Und auch der im April von der Interessen- ihrer Qualität bedroht.1 dokumentiert – zu Kopf gestiegen war. Dass
Public participation is all about governance – S. 14 vertretung Gemeinnütziger Organisationen dieses Regierungsmitglied von jener Partei
Egal welche Partizipationsform, egal ob Organisationen, who has a voice, how decisions are made (IGO) veröffentlichte Bericht „Civil Society Bis zu jenem denkwürdigen Tag im Mai 2019, gestellt wurde, die sich zuvor als besonders
Verwaltungen oder Einzelpersonen teilnehmen: ein zent- and who is accountable Index – Update 2019“ stellte Österreich kein der das Ende der damaligen Regierung ein- feindselig gegenüber regierungskritischen
rales Element, das sich wie ein roter Faden durchzieht ist: Mara Simane and Inese Vaivare gutes Zeugnis aus: Die von Akteur*innen der Zivilgesellschaft hervorge-
Vertrauen. den Autor*innen befragten Das systematische Zurückdrängen von Widerspruch, tan hatte, sorgte bei diesen wenig verwun-
Expert*innen beobachteten Protest und Vielfalt durch unterschiedlichste, derlich für eine gewisse Genugtuung und die
Viel Spaß beim Lesen wünscht Vorarlberg Versuche der gezielten Ein- ineinandergreifende Maßnahmen wurde als Ausdruck Hoffnung auf ein Ende der bis dahin regelmä-
schüchterung, sowie eine zu- einer zunehmend autoritären, rechts-populistischen ßig wiederkehrenden Angriffe.
BürgerInnenbeteiligung in Vorarlberg S. 16
nehmende Delegitimierung Politik empfunden und die Demokratie damit in ihrer
Ein Plädoyer für eine Kultur der Zusammen-
zivilgesellschaftlicher Aktivitä- Qualität bedroht. Und tatsächlich kehrte schon mit dem Einset-
arbeit und Kooperation
ten in Medien und von Seiten zen der durchwegs aus Expert*innen beste-
Bernhard Zlanabitnig Michael Lederer
der Politik. Das systematische Zurückdrängen läutete. Sie verdankte ihren Sturz bekanntlich henden Übergangsregierung eine deutliche
Redakteur, Leiter des EU-Umweltbüros von Widerspruch, Protest und Vielfalt durch weder der parlamentarischen Opposition Entspannung in die Beziehungen zwischen
2 3
Österreich Europa
den politischen Repräsentant*innen und der letzten Jahre hat gezeigt, dass die vom Mi- schiedlicher Qualität und Intensität – sektori-
ihnen unterstellten Verwaltung auf der einen nisterrat 2008 beschlossenen Standards der al, soll heißen: im Sozial-, Umwelt-, Kultur-,
Seite und den zivilgesellschaftlichen Organi- Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung in der Verwaltung EZA-Bereich usw. gibt. Sektorübergreifend
sationen auf der anderen Seite ein. Wer aller- weithin unbekannt und in Vergessenheit ge- ist sie allerdings schwach entwickelt, was
dings erwartet hatte, dass mit einem Schlag raten sind. Dementsprechend
alles anders, besser werden würde, wurde schwierig gestaltet sich in der Schwieriger zu beantworten ist die Frage nach der
enttäuscht: Von gemeinnützigen Interessen- Praxis auch oft der Dialog mit Qualität der Beteiligung der österreichischen Zivilge-
verbänden vorgebrachte Reformvorschläge der Beamtenschaft, die un- sellschaft an europäischen Diskursen.
wurden in aller Regel mit dem Hinweis ab- ter Hinweis auf knappe Res-
gelehnt, dass die Übergangsregierung es als sourcen dazu neigt, den Wunsch nach mehr nicht nur, aber auch mit der Dominanz
ihren Auftrag ansah, nur jene Projekte weiter- Beteiligung a priori als unmöglich erfüllbar der klassischen Sozialpartner zu tun hat,
zuführen bzw. neu aufzusetzen, die unbedingt abzulehnen und stattdessen auf altbewährte, die gerne im Zuge von europäischen Kon-
im Zeitraum bis zur Angelobung einer neuen aber häufig äußerst unvollkommene Prozesse sultationen den Anspruch erheben, allein
Bundesregierung nach einer Nationalratswahl zurückgreift. für die österreichische Zivilgesellschaft zu
umgesetzt werden müssen. sprechen.
Positiv zu erwähnen ist lediglich der hohe
Inzwischen, die neue Regierung ist demnächst Stellenwert, den das Regierungsprogramm So werden bezeichnenderweise auch die
100 Tage im Amt, gibt es tatsächlich berech- ganz allgemein dem Thema Transparenz ein- österreichischen Mitglieder des Europäi-
Foto: © Rainer Sturm / pixelio.de
tigten Grund zur Hoffnung, dass wenn nicht räumt, sowie eine in Aussicht gestellte mög- schen Wirtschafts- und Sozialausschusses
„alles“, doch zumindest vieles besser wird: liche Beteiligung an der Open Government (EWSA) bisher ausschließlich von den So-
Die türkis-grüne Regierung hat viele Vorschlä- Partnership Initiative, einer internationalen zialpartnern gestellt, obwohl dieses bera-
ge repräsentativer Verbände und Netzwerke „guten Praxis“, der sich bereits 70 Länder, da- tende Gremium der EU die Zivilgesellschaft
zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen und runter unsere Nachbarn Deutschland, Tsche- der jeweiligen Mitgliedsländer repräsentie-
sozialer Unternehmen wie dem BÜNDNIS chien, die Slowakei und Italien, angeschlossen ren soll. Die in diesem Zusammenhang vom
FÜR GEMEINNÜTZIGKEIT in ihr Programm haben. Hoffnung machen auch „Leuchtturm- BÜNDNIS FÜR GEMEINNÜTZIGKEIT vor der
übernommen. Jetzt geht es an die Umsetzung projekte“ wie das im GovLab Austria des Wahl erhobene Forderung an die Bundes-
und die zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen Bundesministeriums für Kultur, öffentlichen regierung, im Zuge der 2020 fälligen Neu-
Civil Society participation at European level
und ihre Verbände sowie ihre Gegenüber in Dienst und Sport angesiedelte Multi-Stake- besetzung auch 1-2 NGO-Vertreter*innen
den Ministerkabinetten bringen sich dafür holder-Projekt „Transparenz und Partizipa- zu nominieren, hat es leider nicht ins Regie-
in Stellung. In einigen Fällen haben sogar tion in der Rechtsetzung“. Oder auch der in rungsprogramm geschafft.
Expert*innen aus NGOs die Seiten gewechselt eben diesem Ministerium aktuell unternom-
und sitzen jetzt ihren bisherigen Kolleg*innen mene Versuch, einen „Praxisleitfaden Parti- The right to participation for civil society is enshrined in the EU Treaties, yet there is a lack of a com-
am Verhandlungstisch gegenüber. zipation im digitalen Zeitalter“ zu entwickeln, B prehensive framework that will ensure this in practice which covers both consultation and dialogue
unter Einbeziehung einer großen Zahl von
Foto: © Carlotta Besozzi
Franz Neunteufl and involves all three main European Institutions: the European Commission, the European Parlia-
Wie immer gibt es aber auch einen Wermuts- Expert*innen, auch aus der Zivilgesellschaft. Geschäftsführer ment and the Council, composed of member States. It is also necessary to ensure equal participa-
tropfen und es braucht auch eine realistische IGO - Interessenvertretung Gemeinnütziger tion for NGOs compared to other actors. The Conference on the Future of Europe is a not to be
Sicht auf die Dinge: Zur Beteiligung der Zi- Schwieriger zu beantworten ist die Frage Organisationen
vilgesellschaft an der Politikgestaltung und nach der Qualität der Beteiligung der öster-
missed opportunity to engage meaningfully civil society in a meaningful way.
www.gemeinnuetzig.at
Gesetzgebung schweigt sich das Regierungs- reichischen Zivilgesellschaft an europäischen www.buendnis-gemeinnuetzigkeit.at
programm weitgehend aus. Die Erfahrung der Diskursen. Wir wissen, dass es sie – in unter- By Carlotta Besozzi
1 R. Simsa, F. Neunteufl, Ch. Ahlfeld, R. Grasgruber-Kerl, B. Heckermann, C. Moder, J. Pranzl, J. Stadlbauer; CIVIL SOCIETY INDEX – UPDATE 2019: Rahmenbedingungen der Zivilgesellschaft According to the EU Treaties1, every citizen The European Commission engages mostly Commission fails to explain how feedback from
in Österreich; Wien 2019.
is granted the right to participate in the with civil society through online consultations citizens and representative associations is
democratic life of the Union. Institutions within the “better regulation” framework. The taken into account2.
have to ensure the appropriate means for European Commission must respect specific
this to happen. They also have to maintain an timeframes and guidelines, cover the different While online consultations are an opportunity
open, transparent and regular for citizens to have a say on issues discussed at
dialogue with representative Civil society organisations have raised concerns on the EU level, they are not sufficient to ensure the
associations and civil society. way the consultations are framed, which do not allow open, transparent and regular dialogue with
Finally, citizens can invite the enough space for open comments and often are either civil society as described in the Treaty.
European Commission to issue too technical or too general.
legislation by gathering one Consultation of civil society by member states
million signatures from a significant number EU languages and publish results. Civil society on their position is more of an exception than
of Member States. Despite the recognition organisations have raised concerns on the way the rule3. In addition, the Council does not
of the right to participate, there is still the the consultations are framed, which do not publish the position of individual member
lack of a comprehensive framework to en- allow enough space for open comments and States during this phase, which prevents public
sure that participation of civil society happens often are either too technical or too general. scrutiny and allows Governments to blame
in practice. When legislative proposals are presented, the others when a decision is contested. As a
4 5
Europa Europa
positive example, in Latvia there is an obligation
to consult NGOs in the preparation of national
The European Commission uses different
tools to engage with civil society beyond
Civil Society Europe has published a roadmap
on EU civil dialogue6, calling the EU to intro- The OSCE-supported Aarhus Centres
positions and to meet them before European consultations. A number of policy departments duce measures to support and develop civil
Councils, however deadlines are often too in the European Commission organise space in Europe. As a result of a wide civil so- By Christian Melis
short. Finland and Sweden have also regular stakeholder meetings. A wider reaching good ciety mobilisation, the European Commission
Foto: © Christian Melis
meetings and consultations with civil society. practice for dialogue with civil society is Vice President Jourova is now responsible for The Organization for Security and Co-opera- supporting the establishment and operation • Capacity building:
Furthermore, very few working groups of the the youth structured dialogue that involves dialogue with civil society organisations. This is tion in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest of “Aarhus Centres” (known as “Public Envi- provision of training
Council have a policy of engaging with civil over a hundred thousand young people. a first step which needs to be followed by an regional security organization with 57 partici- ronmental Information Centres” in some coun- courses for NGOs and
society at European Union level and when this While the process is participative, follow agreement between EU institutions on the im- pating States. It promotes stability, peace and tries) since 2002. civil society groups as
happens this is usually limited to the country up of the recommendations is very limited4. plementation of civil dialogue and guidelines democracy in its area through a comprehensive well as for dissemina-
holding the presidency. There are no guidelines Expert groups are also established, in order for participation. approach to security that encompasses politi- The Centres can be established within either tors (teachers, jour-
and policies for civil society participation. to gather evidence and get to know the co-military, economic and environmental, and government (e.g. Ministries of Environment, nalists) and other interested audience on the
different interests involved in preparation of The European institutions are about to launch a human aspects1. local authorities) or non-governmental enti- Aarhus Convention and other environmental
In contrast, the European Parliament web legislation. However, Civil Society organisations conference on the Future of Europe on May the ties (e.g. NGOs, environmental associations)2. topics.4
streams most of its meetings and publishes are often under-represented in these bodies 9th, which is aimed at fostering civil society and Recognizing a close connection between the Starting in Yerevan, Armenia, the geographical
online draft positions and amendments compared to industry. Information and access citizens’ involvement. Civil society has not yet environment and security, the OSCE aims to scope of the Aarhus Centres’ network conti- According to their geographic location, political
of Committees. However, compromise to membership fail to meet transparency been included among those that will decide on strengthen co-operation on environmental nues to expand today, with dozens of Centres climate of the country, local needs and specific
amendments and voting lists are not always standards. The Integrity Watch also shows the process, its objectives and content and tho- issues as part of a broader effort to prevent established in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern capacities, the Aarhus Centres can work on dif-
available before the vote, which limits public that among the top 10 organisations who have se that will take decisions on the political follow conflict, build mutual confidence and promote Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. ferent topics and thematic areas, such as sus-
scrutiny. Also, when the European Parliament meetings with high level Commission officials, 7 up. If this omission is not corrected, it risks jeo- good neighbourly relations. tainable development, green economy, water
begins negotiations with the Council and the are from large corporates5. pardising the whole process and resulting either Aarhus Center’s role resources management, disaster risk reduction,
Commission through “trilogues”, discussions in a top down approach or a communication The contribution of the OSCE in addressing The Aarhus Centres play the multiple role of climate change, urban and hazardous waste ma-
and documents are no longer public. While an In order to ensure that civil society is able to exercise void of real interest, which will only ge- these issues includes good environmental raising public awareness on environmental is- nagement, environmental impact assessment,
effort has been made on transparency with participate in decision making meaningfully, nerate further frustration among citizens. governance, a tool to achieve sustainable de- sues, disseminating environmental information, gender mainstreaming, eco-journalism, youth
obligations for MEPs to publish information the European Union funds advocacy work of velopment and environmental protection. It is helping citizens exercise their rights on envi- empowerment, etc.
on who they meet and on their legislative European networks of national civil society an essential element in building trust and confi- ronmental matters, and assisting governments
footprint, there are no guidelines on ensuring organisations within its different programmes. B dence at all levels, enhancing stability and secu- in implementing the Aarhus Convention. They The work of Aarhus Centres in these areas can
that decision makers meet civil society before This measure has enabled civil society Carlotta Besozzi rity in the OSCE region. also serve as a platform to engage citizens, provide a touchable contribution to the imple-
the preparation of reports or when discussing from different countries to work together Coordinator governments and private sector in addressing mentation of Sustainable Development Goals in
files of general concern. In addition, smaller or transnationally and promote policies and Civil Society Europe The OSCE works closely with 57 participating environmental challenges3. the participating states. Furthermore, the Cen-
less resourced organisations have more difficult legislation with high standards of protection https://civilsocietyeurope.eu/ states and other intergovernmental organisa- tres can be and have been actively involved in
access in practice. for citizens. tions for the implementation of crucial multila- In line with the pillars of the Aarhus Conventi- the implementation of other relevant Multila-
teral environmental agreements like the UNECE on, the Aarhus Centres are actively involved in: teral Environmental Agreements, like the Espoo
1 Articles 10 and 11 of the consolidated EU Treaties
2 Similar conclusions were highlighted in the European Court of Auditors special report 14/2019 ‘Have your say!’: Commission’s public consultations engage citizens, but fall short of Convention on Access to Information, Public • Access to information: dissemination of envi- Convention on the on Environmental Impact
outreach activities. Participation in Decision-making and Access to ronmental information, publication of material Assessment in a Transboundary Context and
3 https://civilsocietyeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CSE-Response-European-Ombudsman-Consultation-Transparency-legislative-work-within-Council-preparatory-bodies.pdf
4 https://ec.europa.eu/youth/policy/implementation/dialogue_en
Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Con- on Aarhus Centre websites, translation of inter- the Water Convention on the Protection and
5 https://integritywatch.eu vention). national documents into national languages, pu- Use of Transboundary Watercourses and Inter-
6 https://civilsocietyeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Roadmap-to-Civil-Dialogue-in-the-EU.pdf
blication of brochures that explain environmen- national Lakes.
Aarhus Convention OSCE link tal issues in a way understandable to the wider
The Aarhus Convention, adopted in 1998, con- public, preparation of targeted information for Thanks to their increasing engagement at in-
sists of three pillars that address democratic various vulnerable groups, dissemination of in- ternational level and their role in enhancing
governance in the environmental area: formation on draft legislation and other policy transboundary environmental co-operation,
• the right of citizens to receive environmental documents for input and feedback by NGOs or the Aarhus Centres help building trust and con-
information from public authorities; citizens, organization of public hearings; fidence within and across borders, therefore
• the right of citizens to participate in the pre- • Public participation and stakeholder dialogue: contributing to strengthening stability, peace
paration of plans, programmes, policies, and le- organization of awareness raising campaigns, and security across the OSCE area.
gislation that may affect the environment; environmental monitoring, holding roundtab-
• and the right of citizens to have access to re- les, involvement in the development of legisla- B
view procedures when their rights of access to tion and policies and in environmental impact Christian Melis
information or public participation in environ- assessment procedures, engaging vulnerable Environmental Governance Officer
mental matters are violated. groups (youth, women, rural population, etc.) Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic
in targeted activities; and Environmental Activities
Foto: © rudolf ortner / pixelio.de
To support the participating states in imple- • Access to justice: provision of legal advice to www.osce.org
menting the Convention, the OSCE has been citizens and NGOs on environmental matters;
1 OSCE website (https://www.osce.org)
2 OSCE Aarhus Centres Guidelines, November 2009
3 OSCE Aarhus Centres website (https://aarhus.osce.org)
4 J. Sehring & E. Buttanri, “The Aarhus Centres Network – 15 Years of OSCE Support to Address Environment and Security Challenges at Local Level”
6 7
Europa Europa
argued that the members should represent brought up was the monitoring of SDGs in the question in multi-stakeholder engagement is
public interest and not a narrow, particular EU budget, Corporate Social Responsibilities, the difference between public and particular
interest. and agricultural policy. interest. How much sense does it make to talk
about a financial transaction tax with those
What we did welcome was that many of Our mandate ended in December and VP representing the specific interest of a bank,
the representatives chosen did come from Timmermans closed the platform by sending where such an instrument would make perfect
civil society and represented municipalities us a friendly letter. With the conclusion of the sense for public interest?
and regions. There were also a number of mandate, was the platform worth it? There
observers such as the UN, OECD, the EIB or were a multitude of benefits that came with For now, the new Commission does not seem
the World Bank. the creation of the platform. It helped us to know how to engage with stakeholders in
build a useful network of very diverse actors the coming ten years of action and delivery.
The Commission defined four purposes for There is an overwhelming
the MSP: We had access to an ongoing dialogue with high-level silence surrounding the future
• To support and advise the European Com- political leaders and with more technical experts on of how we as civil society can
mission and all stakeholders involved on the how they can mainstream sustainable development in participate. Former members
implementation of the SDGs at the european their policy work. of the MSP contacted
level Commission President von
Foto: © Schöppl/FORUM Umweltbildung
• To support and advise the European Com- interested in sustainable development. We der Leyen who did not feel responsible and
mission in relation to Commission events in learnt about the policies, priorities and forwarded our letter to VP Timmermans – who
sustainable development concerns of other stakeholders, helping has not been given the mandate by von der
• To help to prepare the selection process of us better understand the interlinkages Leyen to coordinate the implementation of
an annual sustainability award between various policy fields and positions. the SDGs. This ping pong game is an indication
• To provide a forum for exchange of experi- We had access to an ongoing dialogue with of the current lack of imagination of the new
ence and best practice on the implementation high-level political leaders and with more Commission on how to realise one of the key
of the SDGs across sectors and at local, regio- technical experts on how they can mainstream principles of the 2030 Agenda, meaningful civil
nal, national and EU level. sustainable development in their policy work. society engagement.
True effort or window-dressing? Engaging civil
The platform created its own contribution to However, one of the limiting factors was that
Vice-President Timmermans’ Reflection Paper important constituencies were absent and
on the SDGs and its compromisable terms that the representatives were not elected by
society regarding the SDGs in the EU through long consultations and a drafting team
that I was personally a part of ,Our joint report
the constituencies (a process practiced for
stakeholder engagement at UN level). For B
was adopted in October 2018 and handed over instance, none of the particularly vulnerable Patrizia Heidegger
Foto: © Patrizia Heidegger
By Patrizia Heidegger to VP Timmermans. I, as well as many different groups were strongly present nor companies Director for Global Policies and Sustainability
stakeholders, delved further into the dialogue with a business model different from the European Environmental Bureau
on specific topics or processes on how to average multinational, like social businesses, www.eeb.org
In 2015, world leaders came together in New Commission through various tools and (MSP). As SDG mainstream the SDGs. One example that was innovative SMEs, or co-operatives. An open
York to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable processes, and a more long-term track Watch Europe, we
Development. The process that led to the created for developing a reflection of a welcomed this and 1 www.sdgwatcheurope.org
formulation of the Sustainable Development longer term vision in a post 2020 perspective. quickly got together
Goals (SDGs) was supported, if not driven, by Despite calls from the European Council, to agree on recommendations on what the
the EU. However, the EU established another the European Parliament, civil society, and platform should look like for the Commission.
agenda at the same time, with a focus on other stakeholders, the EC refused to work You can find the recommendations, which we
short-term objectives surrounding jobs and on and adopt an overarching sustaina- published in February 2017, on the SDG Watch
growth, aiming to put the European economy ble development strategy with clear targ- Europe website1.
back on track after the economic and ets for the EU and an implementation plan for
financial crises. Furthermore, the beginning the SDGs. Unfortunately, the Commission did not
of 2015 saw another agenda created, consider many of our recommendations. It NEWSLETTER des EU-Umweltbüros
focusing on the response to the “migration Though the Commission’s work was firstly launched an application process for
crisis”. As European civil society, we have disappointing as a whole, communication organisations and individuals who wanted to Sie wollen regelmäßig über umweltpolitische Aktivitäten auf
been advocating strongly for the Juncker from December 2016 promised to set up a join the Platform. It then selected the members EU-Ebene informiert werden?
Commission to reconsider its position and multi-stakeholder platform that involved civil in a top-down process to pick and choose who
refocus on the ambitious implementation of would represent civil society, Wir halten Sie auf dem Laufenden. Mit unserem kostenlosen Newsletter
the SDGs. Unfortunately, the Commission did not consider many research, business, and other erhalten Sie wöchentlich aktuelle Informationen über europäische Umweltpolitik.
of our recommendations. interests. We had sugges-
At the end of 2016, the Commission presented ted a process through which Bleiben Sie informiert und registrieren Sie sich unter:
a two-track approach: one track dedicated society and other stakeholders in the dis- different stakeholders would self-organise www.eu-umweltbuero.at/newsletter
to starting sustainable development in the cussion of the implementation of the SDGs and elect their own representatives and also
8 9
Finnland Finnland
eligible to vote have signed at least one initiative. obtain information and different aspects of the Democracy Programme 202510. Overall, the goal
The citizens’ initiative seems to mobilise some of matters.. However, not all lobbyists have the of the Finnish Government's democracy policy
the socio-demographic groups which tend to be same means and resources to exert influence. for the past ten years has been to address topi-
otherwise politically passive, especially younger In some cases, exerting influence may invol- cal democracy-related challenges and ensure
citizens. It has also empowered civil society ac- ve inappropriate means and, in extreme cases, that citizens are provided with opportunities to
tors, as many of them have used citizens’ initia- even corruption. participate and exert influence in society.
tives to promote their agenda.
In accordance with the Government Programme Furthermore, in order to underline the
Promoting information and participation in of Prime Minister Sanna Marin5, an act on a importance of an autonomous and influential
law drafting process transparency register will be enacted in Finland civil society, Finland has established an Advisory
Civil society participation requires updated in- on the basis of parliamentary preparation and in Board for Civil Society Policy. The Government
formation on the government's current issues consultation with civil society. The law drafting appointed the Advisory Board for its third four-
and public consultations. Influencing the pol- process will start in spring 2020. year term on 9 February 201711. The Advisory
icy-making process becomes difficult and the Board consists of representatives from different
equality of different actors, especially those The purpose of the transparency register is to ministries, business lobbying organisations, the
Foto: © Tim Reckmann / pixelio.de
smaller and less influential, becomes endan- improve the transparency of decision-making Association of Local and Regional Authorities in
gered without transparency and open partici- and, by doing so, prevent undue influence and Finland, CSOs, voluntary sectors, and academia.
pation opportunities. reinforce public confidence. The transparency The main task of the Advisory Board is to
register makes it possible to retroactively track promote interaction between administration
To improve the access to information, the the process of drafting and implementing and civil society and set operating preconditions
Government launched a renewed online register legislation, also known as the legislative footprint. for the civil society.
for Projects and Initiatives3 where the public Thus, the new act would supplement Finland's
can find necessary information about the legislation on the openness of government
government’s current and past issues, inclu- activities and strengthen Finland’s commitment
ding legislative projects. Compared to the to principles of an open government.
Developing transparency and civil society partici- previous service, the new website includes
much more information about consultation in Conclusions
pation in law making processes in Finland
B
legislative projects. Overall, active citizenship arises from the Maria Wakeham-Hartonen works as a Senior
people. It cannot be created through legislation Specialist at the Ministry of Justice and as
After every law drafting process, the drafted or enforced through government regulations. the Secretary General for the Advisory Board
Government bill is circulated to stakeholders However, as shown above, governments can act
Foto: © Maria Wakeham-Hartonen
By Maria Wakeham-Hartonen and Sami Demirbas on Civil Society Policy in Finland. She is one
for comments before entering decision-making. in many different ways to enable the realisation of the civil servants in charge of drafting the
The request for comments is submitted to all of participatory rights and strengthen civil Government’s democracy policy. She has
Foto: © Sami Demirbas
Background ularly in policy preparation which creates more known key stakeholders and published to afford society participation in law making processes. more than fifteen years of experience of
There is a strong commitment to democracy in satisfaction with their role in the process than other interested parties with an opportunity to It is also important to note that the measures working with issues concerning democracy
Finland. The Constitution sets forth the princi- others. In contrast, small organisations and lei- comment as well. It is recommended to use the taken have to consider the decision-making and civic participation. Maria Wakeham-
ple of citizen participation and the principles sure organisations do not feel they are included new e-consultation service Lausuntopalvelu. chain from start to finish. Only then can trust, Hartonen studied Arts and Social Sciences at
of openness and citizen participation are in the process enough. fi4 This service has made it possible for transparency and civil society participation be Landaster University and at the University of
presented in the Administrative Procedure Act government bodies to submit an open request promoted in the law making processes. Sussex (UK) and holds a masters degree.
and the Act on the Openness of Government. This paper introduces recent initiatives by the legislation.An initiative in the form of a bill must for statements and collect the statements via
Besides the legal framework, there is also Finnish Government to develop a more trans- contain the proposed legal text. It must also the internet. The statements given through the Citizen participation has been subject to active Sami Demirbas works as a Specialist at the
a strong culture of participation. Different parent and participatory law making process confine itself to a particular matter and must service will be collected conveniently in one developmental work in Finland during the last Ministry of Justice in Finland. He has worked
organisations and individual citizens participate in which different organisations, especially civil present justifications. place. The requests and the statements are also decades. Examples of such development ac- extensively on different democracy issues
society organisations and indi- publicly available online. tivities are long-running development projects, such as open government, e-participation,
Citizens’ initiatives have been very well received in
vidual citizens, can participate An important feature of the Finnish citi- such as Hear the Citizens project (2000-2005)6, and stakeholder engagement. He holds a
Finland.
more effectively. zens’ initiative is the governmental platform Upcoming lobbying register strengthens the Government’s Policy Programme on Citizen master degree in social sciences (University of
in decision-making processes. The Government www.kansalaisaloite.fi, which facilitates legislative footprint Participation (2003-2007)7, the Government De- Tampere, FI) and is currently one of the civil
of Finland has also issued a guide1 which defines Citizens’ Initiative opens agenda setting launching proposals for initiatives and col- Lobbying is a key part of democracy. Before mocracy Policy Report (2014)8, and the Democ- servants in charge of drafting the lobbying
policies for the consultation of stakeholders and to citizens lecting signatures online. making decisions, it is wise to listen to the views racy Policy Action Plan (2017-2019)9 and most register legislation.
their engagement in the law drafting process. In March 2012, the Constitution of Finland made and expertise of different stakeholders and to recently the current preparation of the National
it possible for citizens to address an initiative Citizens’ initiatives have been very well received
However, recent studies2 in Finland indicate that in the Parliament of Finland. If supported by a in Finland. During six years, more than 1000 1 http://kuulemisopas.finlex.fi
many civil society organisations are dissatis- minimum of 50, 000 citizens, an initiative will initiatives have been processed, of which 38 2 Vesa, J. A., & Kantola, A. M. (2016). Kuka pääsee mukaan? Miten järjestöjen ääni kuuluu lakien valmistelussa. (Valtioneuvoston selvitys- ja tutkimustoiminnan julkaisusarja; Vuosikerta
2016, Nro 59). Valtioneuvoston kanslia. Available online: https://tietokayttoon.fi/julkaisu?pubid=15502.
fied with their opportunities to participate in issue an action by Parliament. In other words, it initiatives have successfully passed the limit of 3 http://valtioneuvosto.fi/hankkeet
4 www.lausuntopalvelu.fi
the policy preparation process (e.g. law making opens political agenda setting to citizens. 50,000 supporters. Two initiatives have led to 5 https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/marin/government-programme
process). The largest organisations and organi- direct changes in legislation (regarding equal 6 https://vm.fi/hanke?tunnus=VM178:00/2003
7 https://oikeusministerio.fi/hanke?tunnus=OM016:00/2003
sations representing established institutions, A citizens' initiative can propose the enactment marriage and maternity) and some others have 8 https://oikeusministerio.fi/hanke?tunnus=OM019:00/2011
businesses, industries and employers feel most or drafting of new legislation, but can also had indirect influences on legislation. 9 http://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/79279
10 https://oikeusministerio.fi/demokratiaohjelma-2025
involved. These organisations are consulted reg- concern the amendment or repeal of existing According to studies, about one third of those 11 https://oikeusministerio.fi/en/advisory-board-on-civil-society-policy
10 11
Irland Irland
ning, public engagement, SDGs advo- The plan provides an overarching stra- SDGs”. It consists of an informal group
cacy and awareness-raising campaigns tegic framework within which Ireland of Civil Society Organization (CSOs)
and events. can play an effective role, at home and and MEPs dedicated to establishing
abroad, in ensuring the collaborative partnerships with EU
Sustainable Development policy-makers in developing a robust
Ireland can play an effective role, at home and abroad,
Goals are reached. The and coordinated approach towards the
in ensuring the Sustainable Development Goals are
governance and imple- SDGs in Europe.
reached.
mentation arrangements
reflect the cross-sector nature of the MEPs joining the MEPs for SDG group
Given that the SDGs are interconnec- Goals and the desire to ensure a co- commit to becoming Sustainability
ted and interdependent, Coalition 2030 ordinated whole-of-Government ap- Heroes4 and use their political influ-
advocates a holistic and comprehensi- proach to implementation. NIP 2020 is ence to:
ve approach with coherent policies, currently scheduled to be published in
strong political leadership, effective co- December 20202. 1. Put Europe in the hands of people
ordination and a whole-of-government 2. Ensure equality and human rights
approach, essential to the successful Measuring Progress on the SDGs 3. Make a strong social Europe
implementation and delivery of every ‘Measuring Progress: Sustainable Progress Index 4. Put in place ambitious climate action
national strategy. 2020’ ranks 15 comparable EU countries based 5. Manage natural resources sustainably
on their delivery of the UN’s SDGs. Written by 6. Promote sustainable and healthy
SDGs and the Government of Prof. Charles M.A. Clark of St John’s University, food systems
Ireland NY; Dr. Catherine Kavanagh of University College 7. Ensure fair taxation
Foto: © Sarah Franklyn
The Government’s overarching principle Cork and Niamh Lenihan of Cork Institute of 8. Pursue a fair-trade agenda
is “Leave No one Behind”. Responsibility Technology, the index compares 15 EU countries 9. Achieve the 2030 agenda for sustai-
for the SDGs rests with the Department across all UN SDGs, assesses their performance nable development
of Communications, Climate & Environ- on each individual SDG and creates a ranking ta- 10. Ensure a people-centred response
ment. There are 17 Government Depart- ble for performance overall3. to migration
ments and each one has a designated 11. Promote needs-driven and respon-
Ireland's Coalition 2030 & the SDGs
SDG representative. GeoHive: Ireland’s Hub for the SDGs sible research
The GeoHive was developed as a 12. Contribute to a people-centred EU
Foto: © Sarah Franklyn
The SDGs National Stakeholder Forum partnership between Ordnance Survey budget
Coalition 2030 collaborates closely with the Ireland (OSI), the Central Statistics
Department of Communications, Climate Office (CSO) and the Economic & These twelve demands are the core
By Sarah Franklyn
Action and Environment (DCCAE) to ensure Social Research Institute (ESRI) Ireland of the Manifesto for a Sustainable
the delivery of Agenda 2030 through its to gather data on the SDGs. Europe and its Citizens5, which was
In 2015, Ireland co-facilitated the ne- SDGs National Stakeholder Forum, which is https://irelandsdg.geohive.ie agreed by more than two hundred
gotiations for the Sustainable Deve- hosted four times each year, and focuses on https://www.osi.ie organizations in Europe representing
lopment Goals (SDGs) in collaboration specific SDGs, such as those under review at https://www.esri.ie different sectors to put Sustainable
with France and continues to play an the High Level Political Forum1. https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustaina Development at the centre of the EU
active role in promoting Agenda 2030 bledevelopmentgoals political agenda.
and the Global Goals. SDGs National Implementation Plan
In 2018, government departments and Europe Coalition 2030 is active within
Coalition 2030 is an alliance of seven- agencies, working closely with civil the EU and is a member of SDG Watch
ty-five leading international, local and society and business representatives, Europe to ensure the EU delivers on its
national civil society organisations that drafted an ambitious national imple- SDGs commitments. Recognising the B
represent all sectors of civil society. mentation plan, which focuses on main- important role the European Parliament Sarah Franklyn
Two and a half million people are affili- streaming the SDGs into national poli- has to play in the implementation of the Coordinator
ated with it. Within the context of the cies and frameworks. The NIP sets out SDGs, SDG Watch Europe launched a new Coalition 2030
UN Agenda 2030 framework, Coalition laborate closely with their member or- It’s different from other strategies and how Ireland aims to achieve the SDGs, campaign in February called “Members www.ireland2030.org
2030 member organisations are com- ganisations to promote the SDGs and plans because it is all-encompassing, both domestically and internationally. of the European Parliament (MEPs) for
mitted to ensuring that by 2030, more strive for policy coherence across all it has a universal theme and its global
than fifty countries achieve its Sustai- sectors. narrative is one of hope, possibility and
1 https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/sustainable-development/sustainable-development-goals/stakeholder-forum--/Pages/default.aspx
nable Development Goals (SDGs) tar- empowerment. 2 https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/sustainable-development/sustainable-development-goals/Pages/National-Implementation-Plan-2018---2020.aspx
gets. Civil Society Participation 3 https://www.socialjustice.ie/content/publications/sustainable-progress-index-2020
4 https://www.sdgwatcheurope.org/documents/2019/09/sustainability-hero-in-the-european-parliament-leaflet.pdf
Coalition 2030 member organisations Coalition 2030 engages across all of 5 https://www.sdgwatcheurope.org/documents/2019/02/manifesto-for-a-sustainable-europe-for-its-citizens-final.pdf
“SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals” is focus on one or more of the 17 SDGs the 17 SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. Ac-
Coalition 2030’s guiding principle in and represent the following civil socie- tivities include policy coherence, moni-
delivering Agenda 2030. Through its ty sectors: Agenda 2030 is designed to toring & evaluation of SDGs progress
Working Groups regarding Policy & unite people with a common agenda: within government and member orga-
Advocacy/Public Engagement they col- sustainability. nisations, research, education and trai-
12 13
Lettland Lettland
for public participation in government decisi- the 2018 presentation of Latvia’s Voluntary with over 350 discussions and 20,000 par
on-making and for the role of NGOs in promo- National Review at the UN High Level Political ticipants. It helps society develop skills on
ting civic engagement. Forum by the Minister of Economics together “rules of the conversation” (converse with
with a Spotlight Review by the Director of the dignity, offer solutions, etc.) and influences
Here are some milestones from LATVIA on NGO platform LAPAS. The government report public opinion. For example, discussions on
Civil Society Participation: was created in cooperation with stakeholders social trust in 2018 prompted consensus on
2020 Civil Society’s response to the from business, academia, NGOs, social partners, having social trust as one of the five strategic
COVID-19 virus ministries and the quasi-governmental UNESCO objectives of the National Development Plan
Resilient response Latvian National Committee and includes 2021-2027.
To mitigate the risks of the COVID pandemic, a information of best practise.
group of new entrepreneurs in Latvia organized 2005 MemoPad
a hackathon in March 2020, inviting anyone to 2019 Well Designed Multi-Stakeholder Creating Space for Civil Society in National
participate in designing prototypes for four Workshop Government Decision Making
sectors – medicine and social care, social Getting to Yes when all sides have been 15 years ago a prime minister initiated a
affairs (information flows, voluntary work, entrenched monthly meeting of NGOs to discuss topics
etc.), education and economics/business. The The Ministry of Finance organized a multi- of interest for civil society to build trust
hackathon drew over 800 participants from stakeholder workshop in 2019 to review the and ensure space for civil society activities.
25 countries in 28 teams. Experts, including Law on Public Benefit Organizations, redefine Today, there are more than 500 NGOs that
Foto: © Simpic_Photos / pixelio.de
the Minister of Health, judged the participants’ the goals and create a roadmap for more have signed a Memorandum of Co-operation
projects. The Ministry of Economics cooperated focused government support. Many interested between Non-governmental Organisations and
with the Latvian Development Agency to award parties were involved and due to a step by step the Cabinet.
the best private and NGO sector ideas funding process using design-thinking methods such The main co-operation platform between the
from a bank, telecommunications firm, and as user journeys, the approach resulted in an government and NGOs in Latvia is The Council
other businesses. One winning solution being agreement, breaking a decade long deadlock. for Implementation of the Memorandum,
implemented and growing exponentially is the endearingly called MemoPad. High-level public
Stay Home movement – a volunteer support 2018 A fast growing neighbourhood administration officials and NGOs set annual
network participating in the national COVID community movement plans together and meet monthly to discuss
Public participation is all about governance – who
relief effort by empowering people to offer Knowing one’s neighbor has been one of stakeholder engagement, and encourage
support for those quarantined at home.1 Latvia’s last bastions in public participation. NGOs to participate in the drafting and
Neighborhood initiatives have only recently implementation of regulations and policies
has a voice, how decisions are 2020 The Latvian National Development
Plan 2021-2027
gained popularity, primarily in Latvia’s largest
city, Riga. The Hospitaļu Street residents pio-
that affect NGOs.
made and who is accountable A participatory approach to medium-term
planning
neered the Neighborhood initiatives and
included activities such as a wheel-chair track
2003 Government Decision Making Process
Everyone can have their say
Latvia’s National Development Plan for 2021- to break the ice and promote empathy. Riga Drafts of all plans and regulations going to
2027 was co-created in 6 working groups, which City Council now regularly provides small the Cabinet are posted online and can be
Foto: © Inese Vaivare
Foto: © Mara Simane
consisted of 150 civil society representatives grants for “Neighborhood initiatives to foster commented on. Institutions drafting such
By Mara Simane and Inese Vaivare and was discussed in more than 30 seminars participation and belonging” so communities plans or regulations must provide feedback
throughout the country. The first draft received can uphold their interests, develop small and publish all comments. The Cabinet has
over 1400 comments that were addressed infrastructure projects etc. Although not information on all issues, including those not
and published before the Cabinet made key innovative by European standards, these resolved, to make a final decision.
Latvia has long understood that people are key milestones in Latvian public participation aged civicengament. During the period of decisions, approved the document and sent it efforts have been effective in promoting public
much better at identifying and dealing with that have strengthened the role of the public perestroika, nascent civic movements (such to the Parliament. This document is important participation in decision-making. Now, in 2020,
their own needs, and that self-organization, (individuals and groups of individuals – either as the Environmental Protection Club) were because it programmes additional investments one citizens’ group is asking for a park in lieu B
spurred by individual agency, solves many informal or together in NGOs) in governance, crucial to Latvia’s regaining of independence from the national budget, EU and other funds of a new building planned for the state security Mara Simane
issues and provides constructive input for including in decisions made by elected officials in 1991. Initially, participation strongly emer- for the next seven-year period. agency. Providus, a policy think tank, recently Advisor, Cross Sectoral Coordination Centre,
decisions that must be made by elected at the national and local government levels. ged in the environment and welfare sectors. completed a study on civic engagement at the policy planning unit at the centre of
officials. A strong civil society is a key element Donors facilitated the further development of 2020 SDG Implementation the local government level. Through 2020 it government
in solving immediate (such as COVID) or Each country has a unique history that influen- civil society, including supporting the creation Multi-stakeholder involvement will be providing technical support to local www.pkc.gov.lv/en
pervasive (such as poverty, climate change, ces contemporary approaches to public par- of NGO centres, training for NGOs and sup- The NGO platform LAPAS initiated a Cross governments that wish to experiment with
etc.) threats to well-being. ticipation, so bear with us for this paragraph port for their activities in key areas such as Sectoral Coalition for the Implementation participative budgeting.2 Inese Vaivare
on history. Self-organization human rights, public health and civil society, of the SDGs. The coalition included NGOs, Chairperson of the Board of the Latvian Civic
Each country has a unique history that influences con- was the norm following the itself. Following EU accession in 2003, EU pro- local governments, businesses, business or- 2015 LAMPA Conversation Festival Alliance, the umbrella platform for NGOs in
temporary approaches to public participation. country’s founding in 1918. Cri- cesses required representation, for example, ganizations, academic institutions, ministries, Fostering a culture of participation Latvia
tical catalysts were the teacher in the agriculture sector, tripartite dialogue, the Central Statistics Office and the Cross In its 5th year, LAMPA is a massive free ad- www.nvo.lv
training system, a network of choirs, economic etc. Latvia’s government implemented a Pub- Sectoral Coordination Centre. This follows mission 2-day event on Cesis Castle grounds
Today, we are collectively dealing with a cooperatives, as well as public benefit activi- lic Administration Reform Strategy from 2001
threat to human security. This article will ties of religious institutions. During the Sovi- and a National Programme for Strengthening 1 https://kursors.lv/2020/03/20/nosledzies-virtualais-hakatons-hackforce
work backwards from this point to highlight et occupation, centralized planning discour- Civil Society from 2005, setting the standard 2 http://providus.lv/en/article/report-examples-of-civic-involvement-in-the-municipalities-of-latvia
14 15
Vorarlberg Vorarlberg
Lösungen für gesellschaftliche Herausforderun- ihrer Lebenswelt zu beschäftigen und selbst oder der BürgerInnenbeteiligung sind vielfältig
gen ausgearbeitet. Die gemeinsam erarbeitete nach möglichen Lösungen zu suchen. Das als und in keiner Weise auf das Instrument des
Stellungnahme wird in einem nächsten Schritt „Empowerment“ bezeichnete Konzept der BürgerInnenrats beschränkt.
der Öffentlichkeit präsentiert und durch die Re- Selbstbefähigung ist ein wesentliches Element
sonanzgruppe (Fachpersonen, Politik, Verwal- gesellschaftlicher Selbstorganisation. Es wird in Ob in Gemeinden, Staaten oder global be-
tung) an das politische System rückgekoppelt. Zukunft noch weiter an Bedeutung gewinnen.5 trachtet, die drängenden Herausforderungen
lassen sich nur mit gemeinsamer Kraftan-
Der BürgerInnenrat ist ein Mittel, sich intensiv Der BürgerInnenrat ist in diesem Sinne ein strengung lösen. Mehr BürgerInnenbeteili-
mit gesellschaftlichen Problemen und ihrer gelebtes Beispiel partizipativer Demokratie und gung bedeutet dabei nicht nur mehr Arbeit,
Komplexität auseinanderzusetzen. Er schafft zeigt einen neuen Weg in der Zusammenarbeit die sich effektiv lohnt, sondern auch eine
eine Form des kommunikativen Austauschs zwischen Politik, Verwaltung und den neue Art Politik zu machen. Eine Chance, die
und leistet somit auch ein Stück weit politische Bürgerinnen und Bürgern. Er hat wesentlichen genützt werden kann oder nicht.
Foto: © Land Vorarlberg - Bürgerrat Zukunft Landwirtschaft
Bildung.4 Genauso entscheidend sind aber Einfluss auf die Identifikation der Bürgerinnen
auch soziale Kompetenzen, wie etwa die und Bürger mit den Herausforderungen,
Auseinandersetzung mit anderen Standpunkten denen sich die Verwaltung und Politik B
und Meinungen innerhalb der Diskussion. gegenübersieht. Die Weiterentwicklung des Michael Lederer
Ziel ist es, Menschen durch die Teilnahme Verfahrens BürgerInnenrat ist wahrscheinlich Büro für Zukunftsfragen
am BürgerInnenrat dazu zu befähigen, sich noch lange nicht abgeschlossen. Und die www.vorarlberg.at/web/land-vorarlberg/zukunft
eigenverantwortlich mit den Problemen Möglichkeiten der partizipativen Demokratie
1 wie es Thomas Leif auf der Tagung „Die Zukunft der Bürgerbeteiligung“ in Loccum, September 2010 bezeichnet hat
2 Surowiecki, James: Die Weisheit der Vielen. Warum Gruppen klüger sind als Einzelne. C.Bertelsmann, 2005.
3 Vgl. dazu: www.vorarlberg.at/buergerrat
4 Vgl. dazu: Lederer, Michael: Der Bürgerrat als Instrument für mehr Eigenverantwortung und Selbstorganisation bei politischen Entscheidungsfindungsprozessen. 2009
Online unter: www.vorarlberg.at/pdf/buergerinnen-ratundpoliti.pdf
5 Vgl. dazu: Arbter, Kerstin/Handler, Martina/ Purker, Elisabeth/Tappeiner, Georg/Trattnigg, Rita: Das Handbuch Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung. Die Zukunft gemeinsam gestalten. Wien: Jänner,
2005. www.partizipation.at/handbuch-oeff.html oder Feindt, Peter/Newig, Jens (Hrsg.): Partizipation, Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung, Nachhaltigkeit. Perspektiven der politischen Ökonomie.
Marburg: Metropolis Verlag, 2005
BürgerInnenbeteiligung in Vorarlberg
Ein Plädoyer für eine Kultur
der Zusammenarbeit und Kooperation
BürgerInnenbeteiligung, also das Einbeziehen von Menschen in politische Entscheidungsprozesse,
ist „in“. Doch was bedeutet Beteiligung konkret, welche Voraussetzungen braucht sie und welche
Foto: © Peter Mayr
Chancen birgt sie? Und welche Rolle spielen dabei die Bürgerräte?
Von Michael Lederer
Ist Beteiligung Hoffnungsträger für die Demo- resultierenden Herausforderungen. Vielfach Besonders zeigt sich dies in der Praxis des
kratie und Schlüsselfaktor für die Bewältigung fehlen Orientierungsmöglichkeiten sowohl Beteiligungsansatzes „BürgerInnenrat“3, der
der zahlreichen Herausforderungen – und da- für die BürgerInnen, als auch für die Politik, seit einigen Jahren in Vorarlberg intensiv er-
mit ein modernes Instrument zeitgemäßer Po- die immer komplexeren Problemen gegen- probt wird.
litikgestaltung? übersteht.
Der BürgerInnenrat – ein bewährtes
Derzeit ist Beteiligung wohl zweierlei: Einerseits Bei Beteiligung geht es vor allem um die Quali- Instrument
Methadonprogramm1, das die Legitimation der tät des Prozesses, die wiederum sehr stark von Der BürgerInnenrat ist eine neue Form der Zu-
Foto: © Poprotskiy Alexey/Shutterstock.com
Entscheidungen herstellen soll. Andererseits inneren Überzeugungen und Werthaltungen sammenarbeit zwischen Bevölkerung und Po-
ist Beteiligung demokratiepolitische Notwen- beeinflusst wird. Das aktive Mitwirken von Men- litik. Es ist ein Instrument der Politikberatung,
digkeit – ein zentrales Element einer gelebten schen in ihrem Lebensumfeld und darüber hin- demnach konsultativ und ist als Ergänzung
Demokratie und die große zum repräsentativen System zu sehen. Er ist
Chance qualitätsvolle Lösun- Nicht nur die Demokratie, sondern die Politik allge- ein unparteiisches Sprachrohr der Bevölke-
gen auf Basis des Prinzips der mein kämpft mit dem gesellschaftlichen Wandel und rung und bringt Politik und Bürgerinnen und
„Weisheit der Vielen“2 zu ent- den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen. Bürger näher zusammen Unter qualitätsvoller
wickeln. Nicht nur die Demo- Moderation werden mit zufällig ausgewählten
kratie, sondern die Politik allgemein kämpft mit aus ist kein Instrument, sondern ein unglaubli- Bürgerinnen und Bürgern einer Gemeinde, Re-
dem gesellschaftlichen Wandel und den daraus cher Schatz an Möglichkeiten und Ressourcen. gion oder eines Landes an einem Wochenende
16 17
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