CEDAG was founded in 1989 to provide a voice for the associative sector in Europe. It’s main mission is to defend and promote the interests of the diverse and multifaceted sector of non-profit organisations 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 their work is advocating for civil dialogue to be established and practiced by public authorities across Europe.
CEDAG works 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. They 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.
