For more than 50 years, the Council of Europe has been promoting European unity for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are the common heritage of its member States. The principles of the rule of law, the protection of human rights and genuine pluralistic parliamentary democracy form the cornerstones of this integration process. From the outset of the political changes that occurred from 1989 onwards, the Organisation had a primary responsibility in fostering the democratic transformation of central and eastern Europe. The co-operation instituted for this purpose is based on the conviction that democracy building is an ongoing process that goes well beyond the writing of balanced constitutions, the holding of free and fair elections and the establishment of an independent judiciary.

Democracy can only exist if the powers of the state are counterbalanced and constantly monitored. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have an essential role to play in this context. A democratic form of society can only be sustained if the institutions such as the legislature, political parties and the judiciary support and strengthen a democratic civic culture by safeguarding and promoting fundamental human rights, and social justice, holding governments accountable, and limiting potential abuses of executive power.

Equally important is the participation of citizens in the democratic functioning of a society. What are the features of civil society that are most likely to serve the development and consolidation of democracy? Civil society is distinct from society in general in that it involves citizens acting collectively in a public sphere to express their interests and ideas, to exchange information, achieve mutual goals, make demands on the State and hold State officials accountable. Civil society is an intermediary standing between the private sphere and the State. Civil society encompasses a vast array of organisations, formal and informal.

The importance of civil society actors and the role of NGOs in the functioning of a democratic society has been recognised by the Council of Europe. The statutory objectives of the Council of Europe are inspired by principles deriving from a democratic and liberal ideal of the State and society. Consequently, the Council of Europe's work can largely benefit from proposals, suggestions or ideas not only of elected representatives of its member countries' peoples, but also the dynamic elements of society as represented by NGOs. They often help to identify certain needs calling for joint action by governments and they have become involved in the implementation of activities in our member States.