Fostering Civic Participation in The Policy Process in Hungary: a Short Review of Policy and Practice

This report sets out how voluntary organizations and civic groups take part in social policy making in Hungary. It also presents a series of case studies on socially innovative projects that aim to encourage greater engagement and participation, with the main theme how governmental and non-governmental agencies have sought to use the opportunity of EU development funds to stimulate greater levels of public participation. The paper concludes that there is strong state support for encouraging participation in both policy making and wider social and economic development work. It has been pushed along by the growing sophistication of the civic sector, its confidence and the opportunities created by the structural fund programs. There is a clear urban/rural divide in the sector and dealing with wider problems of social isolation and economic backwardness requires greater engagement of the local population. The relative shortage of requisite organizational skills means that there is a need for brokers, for outside coaches, for training and for understanding on the part of the public authorities as to just what can be expected of social partners.