A Legal Analysis of NGOs and European Civil Society

Book excerpt: "This book is the first attempt to present the significance of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the light of the postulate of democratization of the European Union's internal procedures and of strengthening the European identity by structuring cooperation of civil society representatives across national borders. Amid widespread awareness and discussion of 'the democratic deficit' and 'shrinking civil space,' the role of NGOs becomes increasingly important. Yet the precise legal status of such bodies is ill-defined. This book presents a thorough commentary and analysis of the position of NGOs and European civil society in the EU constitutional system, bringing to the fore existing and desirable means of public participation in EU lawmaking"--