Description
In Romania there are very few relevant, independent and freely available analyses of public policies. Despite some donor consultancies, the decisions of authorities remain ad hoc. Where such analyses do exist, they tend to be focused on policy areas that think tanks consider relevant or wherein they have expertise. The project aims to promote the culture of dialogue in the policy development process by working directly with the stakeholders, in order to inform and explain the rational alternatives of the policies and in the same time, envisages to develop EFOR's internal capacity of reacting in real time to new priorities. Operationally, the project analyses and monitors six policy areas and communicates results through innovative tools to the general public and decision makers. The 6 policy areas are determined by consultation with a community of stakeholders (companies and individuals) and the general public. Thus, the project shifts the policy priorities of EFOR to areas that are indeed relevant to the public and lays the foundation for a future, sustainable, post-donor funding, for public policy analysis, through contributions from stakeholders.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to identify and put on the public agenda policies that have proved to be relevant for the citizens and other stakeholders (businessmen, decision-makers and citizens) and for the project promoter - EFOR. As there is no real culture of debate in Romania that can represent the fundament of the public consultation processes, EFOR aimed to meet with the stakeholders to debate the steps that have to be taken in order to work together on documents and activities that can reflect a common position on public policies topics such as public budgets, fiscal issues and fiscal evasion, energy, legislative instability and elections. EFOR published a series of reports and policy briefs, organised consultation meetings with the citizens and decision makers, ensured legal assistance for the voters during the presidential elections and developed a network of communities that work on public policies. Promoter's recommendations regarding the electoral reform have been included in several laws on political parties, finances, local and parliamentary elections. EFOR organized public meetings in order to consult stakeholders. New communication instruments or consolidated tools were developed: 2 animated movies, 12 newsletters and infographics were published. These instruments helped the promoter become more open towards the public and communicate more efficiently. In 2016 they will continue their efforts in these domains and will monitor the elections. Also the problem of clientelistic transfers was brought on the public agenda and they will continue monitoring the way public funds are spent.
Summary of bilateral results