Abstract EN:

The purpose of this dissertation is to asses the impact of the European political system on civil society organisations based in Europe. Our attention is drawn both to European orientation (NGOs turning their attention to the European level) and to transformation processes. Empirical evidence is drawn on humanitarian, development, human rights voluntary organisations as well as on NGOs working on social exclusion. From our point of view, voluntary organisations' European orientation has not been spontaneous, neither the consequence of adaptational pressures coming down from the domestic and global levels. This change in orientation is the outcome of specific initiatives from European institutions, as funding and consultation opportunities. Voluntary organisations have also evolved in response to EU public policy increasing significance. Nevertheless, EU influence is never direct neither automatic. The shaping of civil society organisations needs voluntary organisation's consent. In order to grasp the relevant dynamics, it is then important to take into account other factors, such as each NGOs economic resources and values. Civil society Europeanization is not limited to the study of NGOs turning their attention to the European level. Indeed, significant transformations take place after interactions between voluntary organisations and European institutions have already been established. It is true that voluntary organisations interact with European institutions freely, but the use of European windows of opportunities has important effects, such as the transfer of New Public Management techniques or some specific strategies, as lobbying focused on expertise provision.