^{The 3rd Annual Conference of the Network of Eritrean Civil Societies in Europe (NECS-Europe) was held in Frankfurt-Germany from 28 - 29 July 2004.  The meeting was attended by twenty representatives from eight countries representing ten civil societies throughout Europe.}  

^{The Conference started by assessing the current uncertain situation in Eritrea.  It examined the current political, economic, social and human rights situation in Eritrea and expressed its serious concern and worry on the country's direction.  The Conference noted that the current state of affairs was not sustainable and realised the enormity of the task ahead.}

^{After hearing a report of the organisation's performance over the last year by the outgoing co-ordinating committee, members conducted a thorough discussion and evaluated its achievements and failures critically.} 

^{The Conference discussed the relationship between the civil societies and the various Eritrean political groupings and after a lengthy discussion underlined the necessity of being autonomous from all political organisations and reaffirmed its previous position of working with those advocating for the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights.}

^{A lengthy discussion also took place on the theme of "National Conference".  After hearing a report of last year's work and the problems the study group encountered, the Conference decided that it was still not possible to push the matter forward until all member organisations have a clear idea of what is meant by "National Conference" and on how each of the political groups understand the theme to mean.  The Conference concluded by electing a new five-member study group to look at the matter by taking into account all the previous work that has already been done.  The Conference also agreed to give the new study group clear terms of reference in order to clarify the remit of the task.}

^{The Conference also discussed the increasing number of asylum seekers arriving in Europe and the problems new arrivals are facing in various countries.  The Conference agreed on the need to have a co-ordinated effort to help our people and each organisation agreed to double its efforts to help the new arrivals.  The Conference also agreed to set up special groups with specific tasks on refugees, fund raising and lobbying.}

^{The Conference concluded by amending minor parts of the NECS-Europe Constitution and by electing a new three-member co-ordinating committee with one reserve candidate.}

^{Network of Eritrean Civil Societies in Europe (NECS-Europe)}

^{29 July 2004}