Amid widespread awareness and discussion of “the democratic deficit” and “shrinking civil space,” the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) becomes increasingly important. Yet the precise legal status of such bodies is ill-defined. Here, for the first time, is a thorough commentary and analysis of the position of NGOs and European civil society in the European Union (EU) constitutional system, bringing to the fore existing and desirable means of public participation in EU lawmaking.

Recognizing that NGOs have historically been designed to meet the ends of civil society, the analysis focuses on the following topics and issues:

• means in EU law of advocating for the collective interests of civil society;
• unofficial means of influencing the EU institutions;
• access to documents and the European Citizens’ Initiative as means of exerting pressure on EU legislation;
• relations between the EU institutions and NGOs, including lobbying activities;
• bringing actions in the common good before courts and other institutions;
• the special role of NGOs in environmental protection;
• complaints to the Commission and the European Ombudsman;
• EU funding for NGOs; and
• transboundary philanthropy.

Drawing on a broad spectrum of sources of law, including CJEU case law and relevant legal literature, the book offers insightful proposals leading to the democratization of the EU’s internal procedures that will allow enhanced cooperation of civil society representatives across national borders.

In its thorough examination of legal tools that can respond to the “democratic deficit,” this book makes a distinctive contribution to the public debate on the future of the European Union, especially in the context of emerging threats to further integration. It will prove of great value not only to civil activists, academics and policymakers but also to everyone interested in European integration and affordance for social participation.