Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in democratic society. They are key contributors to both the policy-making and political decision-making processes, complementary to democratically elected representatives and other social partners. NGOs are often the primary means of implementing sustainable development or humanitarian aid programs or programs aimed at the elimination of poverty or discrimination. This is certainly the case in the European Union, both in the member states and with the commission, where NGOs are key partners in policy delivery.

This report was born out of the widely held belief that financial regulation of the commission and its implementation is harming the relationship between the NGOs and the commission because of a damaging and often inappropriate overemphasis on procedures and control.

Striking a Balance: Efficiency, Effectiveness and Accountability was cosponsored by Open Society Institute-Brussels, Concord, the Platform of European Social NGOs, SOLIDAR, and the European Women’s Lobby. The report is available for download below.