Civil society

Civil society organisations are both influential audiences and partners of EBRD in its countries of operations. They provide a valuable contribution to the development of the Bank’s policies, strategies and the implementation of projects, particularly on complex, large scale operations.

Civil society plays a key role in promoting public dialogue about decisions that affect the lives of local people and environments, as well as holding governments and policy-makers publicly accountable. Our open communication with civil society enhances the Bank’s effectiveness and impact across our countries of operations.

For the Bank’s purpose, civil society includes NGOs, policy and research organisations, community-based organisations, women’s groups, business development organisations and other socio-economic and labour-market actors.

Our ongoing dialogue with civil society focuses on environmental and social issues, democracy, local community, gender, transparency and business development issues related to the Bank's operations.