On April 21, 2023, an online “Education to strengthen public speaking and advocacy skills” was held for civil society organizations led by European Union public policy consultant and registered lobbyist Andrea Vodanović.
Five associations from Croatia participated in the education (Association “MI” – Split, Local Democracy Agency Sisak, Network of Associations Zagor, Croatian Network for the Homeless, CERANEO) which are partners in the project “Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Croatia.”
The leader of the workshop, Andrea Vodanović, explained the decision-making processes in the European Union to the participants and advised them on how to lobby at the European level. She emphasized that 90% of Croatian legislation is passed within the EU, and that is why it is important for organizations to monitor EU processes regularly. Monitoring these processes enables organizations to react on time and be one step ahead of the decisions of state institutions.
Through this educational workshop, civil society organizations became more familiar with useful internet sources where they can regularly follow the news and discussions of European institutions. Organizations can solve the problem of reaching the main actors of the government and policymakers by lobbying Croatian representatives in the European Parliament, as well as by building partnership relations with European civil societies. In addition, the participants of this workshop received advice on how to lobby through the media and social networks and clearly present their ideas, which will be useful in presenting the work of organizations and achieving their goals.
The project Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Croatia is supported by 89,258.86 euros of financial support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway within the framework of EEA grants. The goal of the project is to strengthen the advocacy capacities of civil society organizations and other stakeholders to monitor and implement the European Pillar of Social Rights at the national and local levels, and civil society organizations in Croatia play an important role in promoting and protecting democracy and human rights.
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