The quality of dialogue with partner countries (government and civil society representatives) is a key to establishing effective development cooperation policies and to their successful implementation. Partnership, ownership of development processes by the target population, and strengthening of institutional and administrative capacity to effectively manage change, are principles which are now largely shared by all donors. Two issues are given emphasis in the EC’s develop- ment policy in this regard, namely: Role of civil society. Close cooperation with and promotion of civil society provides the conditions for greater equity, inclusion of the poor in the benefits of economic growth and helps strengthen the democratic fabric of society. The Commission will.
