June 1, 2009 
Author: Maria-Cristina Olt
Abstract: A new form of governance at the European Union level is represented by the social dialogue and the democratic participation. By trying to regulate and consolidate the partnership between the European Union’s institutions and the representatives of the interest groups,the European leaders acknowledge the mutual contact and support need. The paper presents a general overview, as well as the Community documents that try to regulate this filed and the reactions and opinions of the different interested parties.
Key words: civil society, EU decision-making, lobby, European Parliament, participation