Over 50 years at the heart of European democracy
The voice of civil society is heard at the Council of Europe thanks to the
Conference of International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs).
Since the introduction of consultative status for INGOs in 1952, the Council of Europe has developed even closer and fruitful relations with NGOs as representatives of civil society. The introduction of participatory status in 2003 has enabled INGOs to increase active participation in the policies and work programme of the Council of Europe, and to reinforce co-operation between the Council of Europe and the various associations in member States.
The Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe
More than 400 INGOs enjoy participatory status and make up, since 2005, the
Conference of INGOs which constitutes civil society’s pillar in the Council of
Europe “quadrilogue” with the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly
and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Through this status, the
Council of Europe includes INGOs in intergovernmental activities and encourages
dialogue of members of parliament and local and regional authorities with
associations on challenges facing society. The Conference of INGOs is now recognised
as an institution of the Council of Europe.
Mandate of the Conference of INGOs
The Conference of INGOs is the chief body representing the INGOs enjoying
participatory status with the Council of Europe and as such identifies the
general action needed to organise its participation in the Council of Europe
“quadrilogue”, ensure that participatory status functions correctly, and so help
to affirm the political role of civil society at the Council of Europe. It
decides on policy lines and defines and adopts action programmes.
The Conference of INGOs meets in Strasbourg twice a year during the ordinary sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The Conference of INGOs is chaired by its President in office, whom it elects every three years. The current President of the Conference of INGOs, Mr Jean-Marie HEYDT, was re-elected in January 2012 for a second term of office of three years.
Current priorities and objectives of the Conference of INGOs
The Standing Committee of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe adopted
the aims and objectives of the Conference of INGOs at its meeting in Strasbourg on 28 April.
Promoting the Council of Europe's values, giving substance to participatory democracy
and developing the political role of the Conference of INGOs constitute the three main priorities.