Civil Society in Europe

The regulation of civil society provides the framework under which those organisations can most effectively provide services in education health social services housing development aid and so on. Civil Society in Europe identifies common principles of civil society law in two ways. First the approaches of the Council of Europe and the European Union are explored. Next civil society regulation in twelve domestic legal systems are investigated on a broad range of substantive areas of law including internal organisation registration external supervision public benefit organisations and international activities. From these the authors distill a set of minimum norms and optimal conditions under which civil society can deliver its aims most effectively. This book is essential reading for policymakers and legislators across Europe and beyond.