The CSO Meter, is a monitoring instrument aimed at measuring the enabling environment of civil society in Eastern European Partnership countries. It is based on best worldwide practices, and is made up of more than 30 standards and around 170 indicators to assesses both legislation and practice in 11 key areas. More than 800 civil society organizations from Eastern Europe participated in the development of the instrument. Accordingly, the CSO meter is a tool that is best tailored to local needs and regional specifics.
Since 2017, the Civil Society Institute (CSI) has been actively participating in the process in collaboration with the European Center for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) and regional partner organizations from the Eastern European Partnership countries. Project is supported by the EU and is implemented with the participation of the following partner organizations: Transparency International Anticorruption Center in Armenia (TIAC); Civil Society Institute in Georgia; Promo-LEX Association in Moldova; and the Ukrainian “Ednania”.
A number of reports reflecting the reality of civil society organizations in the Eastern Partnership countries have been prepared using the CSO meter. Country reports in Georgia were developed by the Civil Society Institute (CSI) in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 . Reports enable us to assess the country’s progress or regression in 11 areas, to compare countries’ accomplishments and challenges over the years, and so on.
The assessment tool is being refined and expanded every year.
Within the CSO meter, a regional Hub was developed in 2021, with 20 civil society organizations from six Eastern Partnership countries participating. The establishment of a hub served the objective of exchanging experiences, expertise, developing new contacts, and so on. Members helped to establish a suitable environment for civil society by participating in the monitoring and advocacy process in accordance with international standards and best practices.
Georgia has joined the Hub through the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), the Freedom of Information Development Institute (IDFI), and the Civil Society Institute (CSI).