Introduction

Since the early 1990s we have witnessed a reinvigorated academic interest in the role of civil society organizations in democracies. This interest has in large part been stimulated by Putnam’s seminal volume, Making Democracy Work (Putnam 1993) and his Journal of Democracy article ‘Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital’ (Putnam 1995). A subsequent deluge of academic research and the activities of bodies such as the European Commission have maintained high levels of interest in the role of civil society organizations in democratic politics. The EU Commission has focused on reducing the ‘democratic deficit’ through the development of a more engaged and vibrant European civil society that will promote an active and participatory citizenship – i.e. ‘bring citizens closer to the European Union and its institutions’ (CEC 2001a). Civil society (and social capital) are seen as promoting effective and efficient democratic governance through the deeper and more meaningful involvement of a wider range of (civil society) actors in the European policy-making process. It is envisaged that this will increase openness, transparency, accountability and democracy.