Non profit organisations make a huge impact in improving the lives of citizens across Europe in fields as diverse as elder care, protection of the environment, cultural activities, health and consumer protection, tourism, anti discrimination, youth and sport and many more. Their contribution to the European economy in terms of GDP, job creation, innovation and training is significant. CEDAG’s main mission is to defend and promote the interests of this diverse and multifaceted sector in decision making at the European level, and to support its civil society at national level with information and advice, and activities to strengthen the community of non-profit organisations across countries and across borders. As a result, a major focus of our work is advocating for civil dialogue to be established and practiced by public authorities across Europe. We work towards a vision of a pluralist society, where participatory democracy and active citizenship help to bridge the legitimacy gap between decision makers and citizens which is increasingly apparent in modern representative democracies, not least the EU. We are supported by financial contributions from members, and through project work. CEDAG is an independent, organisation and is not affiliated to any political party or ideology, trade union, religious belief or any public or private body. CEDAG’s membership covers a majority of EU Member States, and extends beyond the borders of the EU. Its vocation is to respond to the needs of civil society, and is therefore not bounded by political borders. It welcomes and supports members from across the European continent.