We initiated the holding of an international conference under the title 'Power, democracy and civil society' in Sfintu Georghe (Romania) on 22-24 April, 1993 where the participants discussed in a multicultural environment the role of NGOs in the promotion of democratic changes.
'The rebirth of civil society' was the title of a national conference organised jointly with Kurázsi, a civil society monthly in Budapest on 5 June, 1993. The participants argued that the third sector in Hungary needs protection, promotion and advocacy.
The European House was the co-organiser of an international conference held in Budapest on 25-27 February, 1994 with the theme: 'Where are we heading in Europe today?' The participants urged co-operation within civil society as an important element of democracy in everyday practice.
'Building blocks for civil society: freedom of association and NGOs' was the title of an international conference organised in Warsaw on 4-6 April, 1995. Within its frame a well-attended information session was organised on CIVICUS by the European House.
In 1997, following our previous practice we were active promoters and participants of the discussions on the concept of the planned nonprofit law and took a position in support of its earliest possible adoption by the Hungarian Parliament.
We actively participated in the work of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and founded its Hungarian circle of friends. CIVICUS held its Second World Assembly in Budapest on 23-26 September, 1997. The preparatory work on the national level was co-ordinated by the European House. The Nonprofit Expo '96, a national civil event staged in Budapest on 27-28 September formed a part of this work.
The Nonprofit Bookshop, the first of its kind in the region was opened by the European House in Budapest on 19 May, 1998. The bookshop holds about 200 titles in Hungarian and English covering various aspects of civil society from legislation, through management to financial issues.
Following the introduction of the so-called 1% law i.e. citizens' can donate 1% of their income tax to an NGO of their choice, we organised several information activities encouraging both the NGO community and citizens to benefit from this new arrangement.
During the past few years we have initiated and organised several programmes (consultations, round table discussions, lobby-visits) to strengthen and promote dialogue and co-operation among Hungarian civil society organisations and develop partnership relations with the government and the corporate sector.
From the beginning of 2000 we have introduced our Civil Card system. NGO cardholders can benefit from a broad range of our services e.g. reduced prices at the Nonprofit Bookshop, free subscription to the monthly Civil Hungary, free entrance to Civiliada 2000 and several other bonuses.