In the first of four meetings, EU representatives met with members of over 80 civil society organisations in Yangon on 22nd October and in Mandalay on 24th October. They will hold more meetings in Mawlamyine on 10th November and in Yangon on 14th November, according to a press release.

EU Ambassador Roland Kobia says he welcomes the progress that has been made in the growth of civil society in Myanmar and underlined its key role in the transition process.

"Politically and financially, the European Union can provide support, but the nature of that support – and the work that is done – must come from on the ground. We need to listen to the voices of the Myanmar people. Therefore, we want to talk to civil society directly, without going through anyone," Mr Kobia said.

The EU says the consultations will be drawn together to build a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for EU engagement with civil society over the period 2014-2017, what the EU calls its “CSO Roadmap”.

The EU says the aim of the CSO Roadmap is to focus better on ways to empower civil society; to contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for civil society; and to strengthen the role of CSO's in policy making, service-delivery, institutional reform and building transparency and accountability mechanisms.

Support to civil society is a key part of the EU’s engagement all over the world, and notably in Myanmar.