During the first decade of ASEM two key questions have characterized the partners’

dialogue in the third pillar on socio-cultural topics. The first issue concerns the extent

and depth of the dialogue on social matters, which has been the focus of repeated

criticism by different civil society actors. The second question revolves around the

role of civil society in the ASEM process. The lack of linkages between civil society

groups and the official ASEM has been a recurring topic of debate for ten years. This

is an issue that has created conflicts not just between civil society actors and ASEM

governments but also among ASEM partners themselves.