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Forum History

 

The Forum was established by the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe  (Warsaw, May 2005), to strengthen democracy, political freedoms and citizens' participation.

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Forum previous sessions

2011

(Limassol, Cyprus, October)

Interdependence of democracy and social cohesion.

New: Proceedings

"Radical measures taken in many countries to try to balance public budgets are both necessary and understandable†but  “Countries are running a high risk of seriously undermining the European model of social cohesion.† declared Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland while opening the Cyprus Forum.

2010

(Yerevan, October)

Perspectives 2020 Democracy in Europe - Principles and Challenges

Proceedings

 

''The Council of Europe has a unique strategic role to play in strengthening good democratic governance at all levels in the European space''. Democracy, or rather good democratic governance, is now not only intrinsically linked to the respect of human rights but is also recognised as the most effective form of governance to ensure stability, sustainability and well-being.

 That was the main message of the 2010 Forum.

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2009

(Kyiv, October)

Electoral systems: strengthening democracy in the 21st century

(Proceedings)

 "In a genuine democracy, the citizen is sovereign and the voter decides" - that was the main message of the 2009 Forum, which highlighted the need for greater public involvement, with a view to increasing voter turnout and ensuring that all stages of public life are democratic..

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2008

(Madrid, October)

"E-democracy: who dares?"

 

The discussions addressed the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on democracy.

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2007

(Stockholm, June)

"Power and empowerment - The interdependence of democracy and human rights"

 

This event addressed issues such as the role and responsibilities of the opposition, representative democracy at the local and regional level, empowerment of the individual and non-discrimination, respect for freedom of expression and association for civil society, and fostering democracy, human rights and social networks.

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2006

(Moscow, October)

"The role of political parties in the building of democracy"

 

The Forum reflected on  the role and responsibilities of political parties in finding democratic solutions to contemporary challenges, the interaction between political parties and with other actors in the democratic process, and the building and strengthening of democratic institutions.

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Launch meeting (Warsaw, November 2005)

"Citizens' participation"

 

 

The discussions addressed the state of contemporary democracy in Europe.

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Previous projects

("Making

Democratic institutions work")

 

Directorate General of Political Affairs

Project “Good Governance in the Information Society”

Direction Générale des Affaires Politiques
Projet « Bonne gouvernance dans la société de l’Information »

5 October 2005

Council of Europe Project

“Good governance in the information Society”
Council of Europe documents on democracy and civic participation

A contribution to the launch meeting of the

Forum for the Future of Democracy in Europe

(Warsaw, 3-4 November 2005)

Prepared by the Project Secretariat

Contents

- Directorate General of Legal Affairs (DG I)

- Directorate General of Human Rights (DG II)

- Directorate General of Social Cohesion (DG III)

- Directorate General of Culture (DG IV)

- Directorate General of Political Affairs (DG AP)

- Venice Commission

- Parliamentary Assembly

- Congress

Directorate General of Legal Affairs (DG I)

1. Collection 1 on Science and technique of democracy

No. 1 Meeting with the presidents of constitutional courts and other equivalent bodies 2 (1993)

No. 2 Models of constitutional jurisdiction* 3
by Helmut Steinberger (1993)

No. 3 Constitution making as an instrument of democratic transition (1993)

No. 4 Transition to a new model of economy and its constitutional reflections (1993)

No. 5 The relationship between international and domestic law (1993)

No. 6 The relationship between international and domestic law*
by Constantin Economides (1993)

No. 7 Rule of law and transition to a market economy (1994)

No. 8 Constitutional aspects of the transition to a market economy (1994)

No. 9 The Protection of Minorities (1994)

No. 10 The role of the constitutional court in the consolidation of the rule of law (1994)

No. 11 The modern concept of confederation (1995)

No. 12 Emergency powers*
by Ergun Özbudun and Mehmet Turhan (1995)

No. 13 Implementation of constitutional provisions regarding mass media in a pluralist democracy (1995)

No. 14 Constitutional justice and democracy by referendum (1996)

No. 15 The protection of fundamental rights by the Constitutional Court* (1996)

No. 16 Local self-government, territorial integrity and protection of minorities (1997)

No. 17 Human Rights and the functioning of the democratic institutions in emergency situations (1997)

N° 18 The constitutional heritage of Europe (1997)

No. 19 Federal and regional States (1997)

No. 20 The composition of constitutional courts (1997)

No. 21 Nationality and state succession (1998)

No. 22 The transformation of the Nation-State in Europe at the dawn of the 21st century (1998)

No. 23 Consequences of state succession for nationality (1998)

No. 24 Law and foreign policy (1998)

No 25 New trends in electoral law in a pan-European context (1999)

No 26 The principle of respect for human dignity (1999)

No 27 Federal and Regional States in the perspective of European integration (1999)

No. 28 The right to a fair trial (2000)

No. 29 Societies in conflict : the contribution of law and democracy to conflict resolution2 (2000)
No. 30 European Integration and Constitutional Law (2001)

No. 31 Constitutional implications of accession to the European Union2 (2002)

No. 32 The protection of national minorities by their kin-State2 (2002)

No. 33 Democracy, Rule of Law and Foreign Policy2 (2003)

No. 34 Code of good practice in electoral matters* (2003)

No. 35 The resolution of conflicts between the central State and entities with legislative power by the Constitutional Court2 (2003)

No. 36 Constitutional Courts and European Integration4 (2004)

No. 37 European and U.S. Constitutionalism4(2005)

No 38 State Consolidation and National Identity4 (2005)

No 39 European Standards of Electoral Law in the Contemporary Constitutionalism1 (2005)

2. Local and regional democracy

- The Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life (adopted on 21 May 2003; CM Recommendation (2004)13)

- European Charter of Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122)

- European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

- Practical guide aimed at NGOs related to European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

- Recommendation Rec(2001)19 on the participation of citizens in local public life

- Recommendation Rec(2004)1 on financial and budgetary management at local and regional levels

- Recommendation R(96)2 on referendums and popular initiatives at local level)

- Recommendation No R (97) 7 on Local public services and the rights of their users

3. Citizens and foreigners

- European Convention on Nationality (ETS No. 166)

- Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at Local Level (ETS No. 144)

- Recommendation Rec (1999) 18 on the avoidance and reduction of statelessness. Obtaining citizenships is surely a precondition for exercising certain political rights and thus relevant to democracy.

- Recommendation on the rights of internally displaced persons (draft to be finalised by CAHAR in 2005 and to be presented to the CM for adoption in 2006). This recommendation would contain provisions on such rights of IDPs as the right to facilitated registration, which is important for their participation in local elections, for example.

4. Legal status of NGOs

- European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organisations (ETS No. 124) – at present the only international standard-setting instrument covering this type of NGO.

- Fundamental Principles on the status of NGOs in Europe adopted in 2002 (legal personality of NGOs, their status, management, transparency and accountability etc).

    A recommendation to member states on the legal status of NGOs is under consideration.

    Study finalised in 2004 on the legal framework for the setting up and functioning of NGOs in Europe in order to assess the compatibility of the national legislation and practice with the provisions of Fundamental Principles.

5. Administrative law

- Resolution (77) 31 on the Protection of the Individual in Relation to the Acts of administrative Authorities

- Recommendation No R (81) 19 on the access to information held by public authorities

- Recommendation No R (87) 16 on administrative procedures affecting a large number of persons

6. Access to Justice

- Resolution (76) 5 On Legal Aid in Civil, Commercial and Administrative Matters

- Resolution (78) 8 On Legal Aid and Advice

- Recommendation (81) 7 On Measures Facilitating Access to Justice

- Recommendation (93) 1 On Effective Access to the Law and to Justice for the Very Poor

- Recommendation (2005) 12 Containing an Application Form for Legal Aid Abroad for Use Under the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for legal aid (ETS No. 092) and its Additional Protocol (ETS No. 179)

At the same time it is believed that the Recommendation (2000) 21 on the Freedom of Exercise of the Profession of Lawyer also has a strong impact on funcioning of the civil societies in the member states, as it sets forth certain principles as regards the independence and responsibilities of this legal profession towards the society, the state authorities and itself.

7. Corruption

- Twenty Guiding Principles for the fight against corruption

- Criminal (EST N° 173) and Civil Law (ETS N° 174) Conventions on Corruption and Additional Protocol to the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption (ETS N° 191)

- Recommendations R(2000)10 on Codes of Conduct for Public Officials

- Rec(2003)4 on Common Rules against Corruption in the Funding of Political Parties and Electoral Campaigns.

No GRECO-documents which would relate specifically to the issue of democracy and civic participation. However all CoE anti-corruption instruments have been designed against the background of corruption being considered as a serious threat to democracy, equity and social justice. GRECO’s (generally published) evaluation reports (http://www.greco.coe.int) contain references to such issues as the independence of anti-corruption bodies, the transparency of public administration and citizens’ access to information (which might be related to some of the concerns which will be addressed by the Forum).

8. Prison system

The participation of civil society does play an increasingly important role in improving the treatment of prisoners (a role which is acknowledged by the new European Prison Rules, expected to be adopted by the Committee of Ministers by the end of 2005) as well as in the development of the functioning of the police and other public agencies involved in the prevention of criminality. The role of civil society is also important in developing and improving restorative justice methods of intervention in our member States such as mediation in penal matters, or assistance to victims. In addition the current developments in the field of probation and community sanctions and measures clearly imply the participation of society at large.

Further information on these subjects can be found on the websites:
www.coe.int/police;
www.coe.int/T/E/Legal_affairs/Legal_co-operation/Prisons_and_alternatives/ and www.coe.int/T/E/Legal_affairs/Legal_co-operation/Crime_policy/ as well as on the web site of the Group of specialists on the assistance to victims (link to the PC-S-AV)5.

Directorate General of Human Rights (DG II)

Treaties
- European Convention on Human rights and its additional protocols*
- European Social Charter
- Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities*
Other texts
- Recommendation No. R (81)19 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on access to information held by public authorities (adopted on 25 November 1981)
- Declaration regarding intolerance – a threat to democracy adopted by the Committee of Ministers (on 14 May 1981)
- Declaration on the freedom of expression and information adopted by the Committee of Ministers (on 29 April 1982)
- Recommendation No. R (85)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on teaching and learning about human rights in schools (adopted on 14 May 1985)
- Recommendation No. R (96)10 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the guarantee of the independence of public service broadcasting (adopted on 11 September 1996)
- Recommendation No. R (97)20 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on “hate speech” (adopted on 30 October 1997)
- Recommendation No. R (97)21 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the media and the promotion of a culture of tolerance (adopted on 30 October 1997)
- Recommendation No. R (99)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on measures to promote media pluralism (adopted on 19 January 1999)
- Recommendation No. R (99)15 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on measures concerning media coverage of election campaigns (adopted on 9 September 1999)
- Recommendation No. R (2000)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the right of journalists not to disclose their sources of information (adopted on 8 March 2000)
- Recommendation Rec (2002)2 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on access to official documents (adopted on 21 February 2002)
- Declaration on freedom of political debate in the media, adopted on 12 February 2004
- Declaration on freedom of communication on the Internet, adopted on 28 May 2003 (PDF version including explanatory note)
- Recommendation No. R (2003) 9 on measures to promote the democratic and social contribution of digital broadcasting
- Declaration on the protection of journalists in situations of conflict and tension adopted on 3 May 1996
- Recommendation No. R (96) 4 on the protection of journalists in situations of conflict and tension
- Recommendation No. R (94) 13 on measures to promote media transparency and its Explanatory Memorandum
- Declaration on freedom of expression and information adopted on 29 April 1982
- ECRI Declaration on the use of racist, antisemitic and xenophobic elements in political discourse
- General policy recommendation n° 6: Combating the dissemination of racist, xenophobic and antisemitic materiel via the internet

- Recommendation Rec (2003) 3 of the CM to member States on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision making
- Declaration on Equality between Women and Men as a Fundamental Criterion of Democracy (4th European Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men – Istanbul, 13-14 November 1997)

* Secretariat documents on democracy/participation – related standards in the case-law of the Court / the opinions of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention can be made available.

Directorate General of Social Cohesion (DG III)

Social Policy

Tendances de la cohésion sociale n° 12 (déjà publié)/Trends in social cohesion
Engagement éthique et solidaire des citoyens dans l'économie : une responsabilité pour la cohésion sociale
Ethical, solidarity-based citizen involvement in the economy: a prerequisite for social cohesion ISBN 92-871-5558-5

Tendances de la cohésion sociale n° 14 (en cours d'édition, devrait parâtre d'ici une dizaine de jours)
Les choix solidaires dans le marché: un apport incontournable à la cohésion sociale
Solidarity-based choices in the marketplace: a vital contribution to social cohesion

Migration

Democracy in general:

ETS: European Convention on the Legal Status of Migrant Workers (ETS 093)

CM Recommendations:

· Recommendation Rec(2002)4 on the legal status of persons admitted for family reunification
· Recommendation Rec(2000)15 concerning the security of residence of long-term migrants

Publications:

1. The legal status of persons admitted for family reunion : a comparative study of law and practice in some European countries, 2000

    Steve Peers, Robin Barzilay, Kees Groenendijk and Elspeth Guild, (ISBN 92-871-4388-9)
    Le statut juridique des personnes admises au regroupement familial : étude comparative de la législation et de la pratique de certains pays européens,
    Steve Peers, Robin Barzilay, Kees Groenendijk et Elspeth Guild, 2000, (ISBN 92 871-4387-0)

2. Diversity and Cohesion: new challenges for the integration of immigrants and minorities, 2000, (ISBN 92-871-4345-5)

      Diversité et Cohésion : de nouveaux défis pour l’intégration des immigrés et des minorités, 2000, (ISBN 92-871-4344-7)

3. Framework of integration policies, 2000, (ISBN 92-871-4341-2)

    Cadre des politiques d’intégration, 2000, (ISBN 92-871-4340-4)

4. Religion and the integration of immigrants, 1999, (ISBN 92-871-4041-3)

    La religion et l’intégration des immigrés, 1999, (ISBN 92-871-4040-5)

6. Security of residence of long-term migrants: a comparative study of law and practice in European countries, 1998, (ISBN 92-871-3788-9)

    Kees Groenendijk, Elspeth Guild and Halil Dogan
    Sécurité de résidence des immigrés de longue durée : étude comparative de la législation et de la pratique des pays européens, 1998,
    Kees Groenendijk, Elspeth Guild et Halil Dogan, (ISBN 92 871-3787-0)

13. Immigrant women and integration, 1995, (ISBN 92-871-2834-0)

      Les femmes immigrées et l'intégration, 1995, (ISBN 92-871-2833-2)

16. Police training concerning migrants and ethnic relations, practical guidelines, 1994

      (ISBN 92-871-2459-0)

    Formation de la police concernant les relations avec les migrants et les groupes ethniques, directives pratiques, 1994, (ISBN 92-871-2458-2)

Civic participation:

Political and social participation of immigrants through consultative bodies, 1999,
(ISBN 92-871-3891-5)6
Participation politique et sociale des immigrés à travers des mécanismes de consultation,7 1999, (ISBN 92-871-3890-7)

Health

1. Recommendation Rec(2000)5 on the development of structures for citizen and patient participation in the decision-making process affecting health care and explanatory memorandum

2. Recommendation Rec(2000)18 on criteria for the development of health promotion policies and final report

3. Recommendation Rec(2001)12 on the adaptation of health care services to the demand for health care and health care services of people in marginal situations and explanatory memorandum

4. Report on Access to social rights for people with disabilities in Europe, 2003, ISBN 92-871-5328-0

    Directorate General of Education,
    Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport (DG IV)

SCHOOL, OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND HIGHER EDUCATION

List of relevant publications on the acquis in the field of democracy in general and on the issue of civic participation :

Education for Democratic Citizenship

Adopted texts on education for democratic citizenship

    · Declaration and programme on education for democratic citizenship, based on the rights and responsibilities of citizens adopted by the Committee of Ministers, Budapest 1999;
    · Resolution on results and conclusions of the completed projects in the 1997-2000 Medium-term programme, adopted by the Ministers of Education of the Council of Europe, Cracow 2000;
    · Recommendation Rec (2002)12 adopted by the Committee of Ministers to member states on education for democratic citizenship.
    · Appendices
    · Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1346 (1997) on human rights education;
    · Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1401(1999) Education in the responsibilities of the individual;
    · Final declaration of the 21th Session of the Ministers of Education, Athens 2003 on Intercultural education; managing diversity, strengthening democracy Intercultural Education in the 21st Century: learning to live together.

Series of reports produced by the EDC Project

    · Education for democratic citizenship: a lifelong perspective by César Bîrzea;
    · Strategies for learning democratic citizenship by Karlheinz Dürr, Vedrana Spajic-Vrakaš, Isabel Ferreira Martins;
    · Sites of citizenship: empowerment, participation and partnerships by Liam Carey and Keith Forrester;
    · Basic concepts and core competencies for education for democratic citizenship by François Audigier;
    · Project on “Education for democratic citizenship” Report of the Final Conference;
    · All-European Study on EDC Policies: Synthesis of EDC Policies in Europe by

César Bîrzea;

    · Regional studies on EDC Policies by Isak Froumin, David Kerr, Rolf Mikkelsen, Milan Pol, Bruno Losito and Mitja Sardoc;
    · All-European Study on Pupils Participation in Schools by Karlheinz Dürr;
    · Report of the seminar on EDC Policies and regulatory frameworks by Karen O’Shea;
    · Report of the seminar on EDC Policies and Practice: How to bridge the gap? By Graham Morris.

Glossary of Terms for Education for Democratic Citizenship by Karen O’Shea.

Bibliography on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education by Mitja Sardoc.

Concept paper for the European Year of Citizenship through Education.

Communiqué and Action Plan for the European Year Year of Citizenship through Education.

Higher Education and Research

ISBN 5150-4 : Recognition issues
5679-4: The public responsibility
5515-1: The University as res publica
5031-1: Language policies
5155-5: Les politiques linguistiques
4452-4: Concepts of citizenship
4451-6: Concepts de la citoyenneté
4960-7: The Heritage of European universities
4959-3: Le patrimoine des universités européennes

Language Policy

CULTURE AND CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

List of documents and publications on civic participation, active citizenship or democratic involvement in decision-making:

·Amsterdam Declaration. Adopted at the Congress on the European Architectural Heritage, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 25 October 1975

·Bennett, Tony. Differing diversities: cultural policy and cultural diversity. Strasbourg : Council of Europe, 2001

·Cultural heritage and its educational implications: a factor for tolerance, good citizenship and social integration. Strasbourg : Council of Europe, 1997

·D’Angelo, Mario: Cultural policies in Europe: local issues. Strasbourg: Council of Europe, 2000

·Declaration on intercultural dialogue and conflict prevention. Adopted by the Conference of the European Ministers of Culture, Opatija, Croatia, 22 October

·Declaration on the role of voluntary organisations in the field of cultural heritage. Adopted by the 5th European Conference of Ministers responsible for the Cultural Heritage, Portorož, Slovenia, 7 April 2001

·Draft Framework Convention Council of Europe on the value of cultural heritage for society (currently being discussed at the Committee of Ministers)

·European Declaration on Cultural Objectives adopted by the 4th Conference of European Ministers Responsible for Cultural Affairs on 24 May 1984

·European Task Force for Culture and Development: In from the margins: a contribution to the debate on culture and development in Europe. Strasbourg: Council of Europe, 1997

·Everitt, Anthony: The governance of culture: approaches to integrated cultural planning and policies. Strasbourg, Council of Europe, 1999 (Policy note 5)

·Fisher, Rod; Fox, Roger: Culture and civil society: new relationships with the third sector. Strasbourg, Council of Europe, 2001 (Policy note 6)

·Guidance on urban rehabilitation. Strasbourg : Council of Europe, 2004

·Kecskemeti, Charles; Szekely, Ivan. Access to archives: a handbook of guidelines for implementation of Recommendation (2000)13 on a European policy on access to archives. Strasbourg: Council of Europe, 2005

·Recommendation No. R (98)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member States concerning heritage education adopted on 17 March 1998
·Recommendation No. R (2002) 1 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European Continent adopted on 30 January 2002

·Resolution (98)4 on the cultural routes of the Council of Europe adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 17 March 1998

·Simpson, J.A.: Towards cultural democracy. Strasbourg : Council of Europe, 1976

·Stanley, Dick: Recondita armonia: a reflection on the function of culture in building citizenship capacity (working title); forthcoming Policy Note by the Culture and Cultural Heritage Department commissioned within the framework of the European Year of Citizenship through Education 2005

·Council of Europe/ERICarts: Compendium of cultural policies and trends in Europe. 5th edition, 2005 (http://www.culturalpolicies.net/) provides information on the application of civic participation, active citizen involvement and other cultural democracy measures in national cultural policies

·European Heritage Network. An online information system on cultural heritage policies in Europe (http://www.european-heritage.net)

·See also the recent Kyiv Declaration on "Culture and Cultural Policies for Development" and the "Kyiv Initative for the Democratic Development through Culture" (both 15-16 September 2005) as expressions of intent, informing future activities of the Culture and Cultural Heritage Department in this area

YOUTH AND SPORT

La plupart des publications de la Direction Jeunesse sont liées à la question de la citoyenneté active et donc de la démocratie (voir liste des Publications).
Voir ci-dessous une liste de publicatoins ayant plus particulièrement trait à ce domaine, notamment "Revisiting youth political participation"* qui est plus directement liée à la question de la démocratie représentative.

The Council of Europe and Youth

The Council of Europe and youth: thirty years experience / Laurence Eberhard. Council of Europe, 2002. ISBN: 92-871-4976-3.
The evolution of the youth sector of the Council of Europe between 1972 and 2002

Award « Young active citizens » (www.coe.int/youth)

Brochure and Leaflet on the work of the Youth Directorate: Young people building Europe: participation, intercultural dialogue and human rights education (2005)

Training courses

Participation and citizenship: training for minority youth projects in Europe / Ohana, Y. (ed.). Council of Europe, 1998. ISBN: 92-871-3650-5.
Report of the Long-Term Training Course.

Human Rights

Compass: a manual on Human rights Education with Young People / Brander, Patricia et al. Council of Europe, 2002.
ISBN: 92-871-4880-5.
Manual providing youth leaders, teachers and educators with concrete ideas and practical activities to engage, involve and motivate young people to form a positive awareness of human rights in their own ways and in their own communities.
On-line at www.coe.int/compass

Hearing on the specific situation of young migrants.- European Youth Centre Budapest, 2002.
Summary proceedings of a Hearing of the Parliamentary Assembly's Subcommittee on Migration held on 15-16 November 2001 in the European Youth Centre Budapest.
(available on-line at www.coe.int/hre)

Islamophobia and its consequences on Young People / Ramberg, Ingrid - Council of Europe, 2004. ISBN: 92-871-5673-5.
Report of the Seminar held on 1-6 June 2004 in the European Youth Centre Budapest.

Violence

Young People and Violence Prevention - Youth Policy Recommendations / Gavan Titley - Council of Europe, 2004.
ISBN: 92-871-5619-0.
This book discusses and presents policy recommendations that can support the work of young people, public authorities and non gouvernmental organisations in violence prevention and in dealing with the consequences of violence.

Youth Research

*Revisiting youth political participation / Joerg Forbrig / (ed.) Council of Europe, 2005. ISBN 92-871-5654-9
Provides an interdisciplinary panorama of conceptual, historical, sociological and institutional analyses of young people and their democratic involvement in Europe today.

Keys to participation : a practitioners' guide / Boukobza, E. Council of Europe, 1998.
ISBN: 92-871-3574-6

Keys to youth participation in eastern Europe / Kovacheva, Siyka. Council of Europe, 2000.
ISBN: 92-871-4482-6.
Outlines the forms, resources and objectives of participation in social life of the first post-cold-war generation in Europe.

Youth research in Europe -- the next generation : perspectives on transitions, identities and citizenship / Directorate of Youth and Sport. Council of Europe, 2001. ISBN: 92-871-4534-2.
A snapshot of current debates across Europe by a new generation of social scientists.

Transitions of youth citizenship in Europe: culture, subculture and identity / Furlong, Andy (ed.) & Irena Guidikova (ed.). Council of Europe, 2001.
ISBN: 92-871-4430-3.
Explores the contradictions in youth citizenship from a variety of methodological, geographical and theoretical standpoints.

Youth Policy

The participation of young people / European Steering Committee for Intergovernmental Co-operation in the Youth Field, Council of Europe, 1997.
ISBN: 92-871-3235-6.

Reviews of national youth policy in: Estonia, Finland, Lithuanie, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, and Sweden : Reports by an international review group appointed by the Council of Europe. The first in a series of reviews of youth policy by the Council of Europe in collaboration and consultation with national governments. ISBN publications.

Supporting young people in Europe: principles, policy and practice / Howard Williamson. Council of Europe, 2002. ISBN: 92-871-4954-2.
Synthesis report on the Council of Europe’s international review of national youth policy process 1997-2001.

The State of national youth councils and consultative youth bodies in Europe / Flessenkemper, Tobias. Council of Europe, 2003.
Comparative study on the functionning of national youth councils and consultative youth bodies in Europe.

Youth cultures, lifestyles and citizenship / Mc Carthy, Stephen (rapp.). Council of Europe, 2000.
ISBN: 92-871-3985-7.
Seminar addressed four key issues: visions of society, attitudes and values, communication and participation. Workshops involved the participants in taking a hard look at their own line of thinking concerning youth and democracy.

Minorities

The beauty of the world. Situation and perspectives of minority young people in Europe. / Vanyi, Balint. Council of Europe, 1995. Report of the training course for minority youth leaders, Levoca, Slovakia, 18-27 May 1995. (available on-line at www.coe.int/hre)

Making a difference with minority youth in Europe / Vaida Jasiukaityte. Council of Europe, 2003.
ISBN: 92-871-5318-3.
Summary of the evaluation of the training course “Participation and Citizenship onempowerment of minority youth leaders” and of the impact achieved on participants.

Young Roma, Gypsies and Travellers in Europe. Report on the training course for minority young leaders “Situation and perspectives of young people from Roma/Gypsy and Travellers backgrounds in Europe”. EYC, Strasbourg, 18- 27 April 1995 / Fernandez Jimenez, D.L. (rapp.). Council of Europe, 1996.

Directorate General of Political Affairs

Project “Making Democratic Institutions work”

· Going for gender balance (2002)
ISBN 92-871-4901-1
Vers l’équilibre entre les femmes et les hommes (2002)
ISBN 92-871-4900-3
Non-ISBN versions exist in Russian, Ukrainian and Georgian.

· Women’s individual voting rights – a democratic requirement (2002)
ISBN 92-871-5040-0
Le droit de vote individuel des femmes – une exigence démocratique (2002)
ISBN 92-871-5039-7
Non-ISBN versions exist in Serbian, Macedonian, Albanian, Russian.
Exists in Georgian, as a working document

· Highway to democracy – the Council of Europe and the information society (2003)
ISBN 92-871-51-37-7
Le chemin de la démocratie– le Conseil de l’Europe et la société de l’information (2003)
ISBN 92-871-5136-9

· Guarding the watchdog – the Council of Europe and media (2003)
ISBN 92-871-5249-7
Sous protection rapprochée – le Conseil de l’Europe et les médias (2003)
ISBN 92-871-5248-9 (2003)

· Financing political parties and election campaigns – guidelines (2003)
ISBN 92-871- 5356-6
Financement des partis politiques et des campagnes électorales – Lignes directrices (2003)
ISBN 92-871- 5355-8

· Genderware – the Council of Europe and the participation of women in political life (2003)
ISBN 92-871-5343-4
Parité – Le Conseil de l’Europe et la participation des femmes à la vie politique (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5407-4
Translated into Croatian by the office of Gender Equality, Government of Croatia

· Local consultative bodies for foreign residents – a handbook (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5455-4
Les structures consultatives locales pour résidents étrangers – Manuel (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5454-6

· The future of democracy in Europe – trends, analyses, reforms (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5570-4
L’avenir de la démocratie en Europe – Etat des lieux, propositions de réforme (2004) ISBN 92-871-5569-0

· Developing democracy in Europe – an analytical summary of the Council of Europe’s acquis (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5579-8
Faire évoluer la démocratie en Europe – Résumé analytique de l’acquis du Conseil de l’Europe (2004)
ISBN 92-871-5577-1

· Reflections on the future of democracy in Europe
ISBN 92-871-5812-6
Réflexions sur l’avenir de la démocratie en Europe
ISBN 92-871-5835-5 ( November 2005)

· Rec (2004)11, 30 September 2004
Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on legal, operational and technical standards for e-voting (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 30 September 2004 at the 898th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

· Rec(2004)15, 15 December 2004
Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on electronic governance (“e-governance”) (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 15 December 2004 at the 909th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

    · Proceedings of Citizens’ Forum “NGOs – key players in democratic governance”

4 and 5 November 2002

· Declaration on the Citizens' Forum «NGOs - key players in democratic governance»
adopted at the Extraordinary Plenary Conference of international Non-Governmental Organisations enjoying consultative status with the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 25 June 2003

Schools of Political Studies

Brochure Schools of Political Studies (Les Ecoles d’Etudes Politiques
“Leadership training in Europe’s new democracies”/ “Former les responsables des nouvelles démocraties européennes”
Council of Europe – published 06/2005
Directorate General of Political Affairs
www.co.iint/Schools-Politics

Non-governmental organisations

Resolution Res(2003)8
Participatory status for international non-governmental organisations with the Council of Europe
(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 19 November 2003 at the 861st meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

Resolution Res(2003)9
Status of partnership between the Council of Europe and national non-governmental organisations
(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 19 November 2003 at the 861st meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

Venice Commission

1. Constitutional and institutional reforms – Venice Commission

CDL-AD(2004)015 Opinion on the possible follow-up to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1629 (2003) on “Future of Democracy: Strengthening Democratic Institutions” adopted by the Venice Commission at its 58th Plenary Session (Venice, 12-13 March 2004)
Anglais
22/04/04 - Publique

CDL-AD(2004)015 Avis relatif aux possibilités de suivi de la Recommandation 1629 (2003) de l'Assemblée parlementaire sur « l’avenir de la démocratie : renforcer les institutions démocratiques » adopté par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 58e session plénière (Venise, 12 - 13 mars 2004)
Français
22/04/04 - Publique
 

 CDL-AD(2004)012 Report on the compatibility of remote voting and electronic voting with the standards of the Council of Europe adopted by the Venice Commission at its 58th Plenary Session (Venice, 12-13 March 2004)  (Ch. Grabenwarter)
Anglais
18/03/04 - Publique

CDL-AD(2004)012 Rapport sur la compatibilité du vote à distance et du vote électronique avec les standards du Conseil de l'Europe adopté par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 58e session plénière (Venise, 12-13 mars 2004)  (Ch. Grabenwarter)
Français
18/03/04 - Publique

 
CDL-AD(2004)007rev Lignes directrices et rapport explicatif sur la législation relative aux Partis politiques : questions spécifiques, adoptés par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 58e session plénière (Venise, 12-13 mars 2004)
Français
15/04/04 - Publique

CDL-AD(2004)007rev Guidelines and Explanatory Report on Legislation on Political Parties: some specific issues, adopted by the Venice Commission at its 58th Plenary Session (Venice, 12-13 March 2004)
Anglais 15/04/04 - Publique
 
CDL-AD(2004)004 Report on the Establishment, Organisation and Activities of Political Parties on the basis of the replies to the questionnaire on the establishment, organisation and activities of political parties adopted by the Venice Commission at its 57th Plenary Session (12-13 December 2003)
Anglais
16/02/04 - Publique

CDL-AD(2004)004 Rapport sur la création, l'organisation et les activités des Partis politiques sur la base des réponses au questionnaire sur la création, l’organisation et les activités des partis politiques adopté par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 57e session plénière (12-13 décembre 2003)
Français 16/02/04 - Publique
  

CDL-AD(2004)003 Report on Electoral Systems - Overview of available solutions and selection criteria adopted by the Venice Commission at its 57th Plenary Session (Venice, 12-13 December 2003)
Anglais
04/02/04 - Publique

CDL-AD(2004)003 Rapport sur les systèmes électoraux - Tableau de l'offre et critères de choix adopté par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 57e session plénière (Venise, 12-13 décembre 2003)
Français
04/02/04 - Publique
http://test.venice.coe.int/docs/2003/CDL-AD(2003)010-e.pdf

CDL-AD(2002)023rev Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters: Guidelines and Explanatory Report - Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 52nd session (Venice, 18-19 October 2002) in English
Anglais
23/05/03 - Publique

CDL-AD(2002)023rev Code de bonne conduite en matière électorale: Lignes directrices et rapport explicatif - adoptés par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 52e session (Venise, 18-19 octobre 2002) en français
Français 23/05/03 - Publique
  
CDL-INF(2000)016 A General Legal Reference Framework to Facilitate the Settlement of Ethno-Political Conflicts in Europe: Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 44th Plenary meeting (13-14 October 2000)
English
03/11/00 - Public

CDL-INF(2000)016 Un Cadre juridique général de référence pour faciliter la solution des conflits éthno-politiques en Europe adopté par la Commission de Venise lors de sa 44e réunion plénière (13-14 octobre 2000)
French
03/11/00 - Public

 

Voir par ailleurs (annexe A) les publications de la série "Science et technique de la démocratie" et notamment:
N° 2, Modèles de juridiction constitutionnelle
N° 12, Les pouvoirs d'exception du gouvernement
N° 19, L'Etat fédéral et régional

Parliamentary Assembly

documents concerning directly civic participation are in bold

N.B. This is not an exhaustive list of Assembly’s texts which may be considered as its acquis in the field of democracy - there is a whole category of documents like opinions on accession, monitoring reports or resolutions on functionning of democratic institutions in CoE member states which set up concrete standards for democratic systems. Also texts which for different reasons have become obsolete are not included in this list.

Recommendation 1714(2005) on the abolition of restrictions on the right to vote

Recommendation 1713(2005) on democratic oversight of the security sector in member states

Recommendation 1704(2005) on referendums: towards good practices in Europe

Recommendation 1680(2004) on the new concepts to evaluate the state of democratic development

Resolution 1407(2004) on the new concepts to evaluate the state of democratic development

Recommendation 1644(2004) on terrorism: a threat to democracies

Recommendation 1629(2003) on the future of democracy: strengthening democratic institutions

Resolution 1353(2003) on the future of democracy: strenthening democratic institutions

Resolution 1344(2003) on threat posed to democracy by extremist parties and movements in Europe

Recommendation 1550(2002) on combatting terrorism and respect for human rights

Recommendation 1534(2001) on democracies facing terrorism

Recommendation 1516(2001) on financing of political parties

Recommendation 1500(2001) on the participation of immigrants and foreign residents in political life in the CoE member States

Resolution 1231(2000) on the impact of electoral systems on the political process

Resolution 1209(2000) on democracy and economic development

Resolution 1214(2000) on the role of parliaments in fighting corruption

Recommendation 1426(1999) on the European democracies facing up terrorism

Recommendation 1413(1999) on the equal representation in political life

Recommendation 1402(1999) on the control of internal security services in Council of Europe member States

Recommendation 1396(1999) on religion and democracy

Resolution 1121(1997) on instruments of citizen participation in representative democracy

Resolution 1120(1997) on the impact of the new communication and information technologies on democracy

Recommendation 1202 (1993) on religious tolerance in democratic society

Resolution 980 (1992) on citizens’ participation in politics
Recommendation 1180(1992) on citizens’ participation in politics

Recommendation 1147(1991) on parliamentary responsibility for the democratic reform of broadcasting

Recommendation 1019(1985) on the participation of young people in political and institutional life

Recommendation 1008 (1985) on women in politics;

Resolution 800 (1983) on the principles of democracy

Congress

List of documents on civic participation

The 1992 Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at Local Level (entry into force on 1 May 1997)

The Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life (adopted on 21 May 2003; CM Recommendation (2004)13)

The 2004 Handbook on local consultative bodies for foreign residents

The European Code of conduct for local and regional elected officials

Recommendatoin 1277 (1995) on migrants, ethnic minorities and media (June 1995; report by the Comité on Migration, Refugees and Demography; Doc. 7322) (Comitee of Ministres reply, January 1996, Doc. 7469), Parliamentary Assembly

Recommendation 61 (1999) on the role of local and regional mediators/ombudsmen in defending citizens’ rights

Recommendation 68 (1999) on women’s participation in political life in the regions of Europe

Recommendation 76 (2000) on the participation of foreign residents in local public life

Recommendation 111 (2002) on women’s individual voting rights: a democratic requirement

Recommendation 113 (2002) on relations between the public, the local assembly and the executive in local democracy (the institutional framework of local democracy)

Recommendation 115 (2002) on the participation of foreign residents in local public life: consultative bodies

    Recommendation 139 (2003) on NGOs and local and regional democracy

    Recommendation 153 (2004) on a pact for the integration and participation of people of immigrant origin in Europe’s towns, cities and regions

Resolution 91 (2000) on responsible citizenship and participation in public life

Resolution 92 (2000) on the participation of foregin residents in local public life
CM Recommendation 19(2001) on the participation of citizens in local public life

Draft Report and Recommendation on public participation in local affairs and elections (to be examined by the Congress Institutional Committee on 7 October 2005; will be provided after 10 October 2005)

12 Oct 12h28

1 Publications are also available in French unless otherwise indicated.

2 Speeches in the original language (English or French).

3 Publications marked * are also available in Russian.

4 Available in English only.

5 Web address of the PC-S-AV : http://www.coe.int/T/E/Legal_Affairs/Legal_co-operation/Transnational_criminal_justice/3_Assistance_to_victims_%28PC-S-AV%29/Default.asp#TopOfPage

6 Political and social participation of immigrants through consultative bodies, Addendum,

7 La participation politique et sociale des immigrés à travers des mécanismes de consultation, Addendum (CDMG (99)21 Addendum