The European Commission has set up a High Level Group of Member States' representatives to advise the Commission on the implementation and development of the i2010 strategy. The group reviews the effectiveness of i2010 and gives advice on possible improvements and adjustments, using benchmarking to monitor i2010 implementation and policy evolution. It also offers a forum for exchanging experience on issues relevant to i2010 which are covered by the Lisbon National Reform Programmes. The High Level Group is composed of one representative per Member State at Director General level. It is chaired by the Commission and meets up to three times per year.

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) invites interested regional representatives, experts and other stakeholders from existing and emerging ‘macro-regions’ to discuss issues related to strategy development and implementation and other themes of common interest at the CoR headquarters in Brussels (101 rue Belliard) on Tuesday, 13 April 2010.

CSO EMPOWERMENT: COOPERATION, INNOVATION AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The event is organised under the Lithuanian Presidency at the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The Forum will address the issues essential for the performance of non-governmental organisations and the civil society in a democratic state in the period of economic recession. Thus, the main focus of discussions will revolve around the empowerment of civil society organisations with a view to strengthen their capacities in policy development and public representation.