MINELRES: EUMAP CfP: Is civil society a cause or cure for corruption in CEE?

[MINELRES moderator]

Original sender: EU Accession <EUAccession@osi.hu>


www.eumap.org

Is civil society a cause or cure for corruption in Central and Eastern
Europe?

Corruption is widely regarded as one of the major problems troubling the
post-Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. For example, the
recent EUMAP monitoring reports on corruption in the region argue that
the extent of corruption in the region presents significant risks for an
enlarged European Union.

One reason often cited as part of the explanation for the limited
success of anti-corruption efforts in the region is the weakness of
local civil society. In this view, the weakness (or in some cases
absence) of NGOs that would articulate societal demands for serious
measures to tackle corruption is an important factor encouraging
governments not to take the problem as seriously as they otherwise
might.

On the other hand, there may be important reasons for doubting whether
civil society - either in a broad or narrow sense - would currently be
able to act as an effective anti-corruption motor. Reasons for
questioning the potential of civil society in this area could include
the following:

* Although around 80 percent of citizens in the regions express the
opinion that most or all of their public officials are corrupt, there is
also evidence of widespread tolerance of corruption by citizens
* NGOs themselves may also be vulnerable to corruption, or to other
problems - such as their relationship with foreign donors - that weaken
their impact
* It is an unanswered question whether NGO activity - or societal
pressure more generally - has been an important factor in countries that
deal with corruption effectively

EUMAP.ORG invites articles, essays and opinion pieces on the role of
civil society in the fight against corruption. Quality papers will be
featured on the EUMAP website with the intention of framing and
encouraging debate on this issue. Papers, between 1,500 and 2,000 words,
are due by 7 July 2003. Accepted authors will receive an honorarium of
EUR 200.

Please send papers to: submissions@eumap.org. Contact person: Alphia
Abdikeeva

EUMAP.ORG editorial policy and an archive of featured articles are
available online at: http://www.eumap.org/articles


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EUMAP.ORG is an online centre for comprehensive resources, news, and
analyses on human rights and the rule of law in Europe generally and the
EU accession countries in particular. EUMAP.ORG is committed to
delivering information on, and generating debate about, human rights,
the rule of law and EU enlargement.

EUMAP.ORG is the website of the Open Society Institute's EU Monitoring
and Advocacy Program.

To find out more click on http://www.eumap.org/about.

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The EUMAP monitoring reports are available online. The reports cover:

- Minority Protection (in five largest EU members and ten candidate
counties)
- Corruption
- Judicial Capacity
- Equal Opportunities for Men and Women

To find out more click on http://www.eumap.org/reports.

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