Democracy and representation have been at the centre of European public debate for several years. The on-going crisis of democracy and representation requires measures to extend and increase the participatory rights of citizens, to establish new participatory and deliberative structure and to strengthen independent supervisory institutions so as to enhance political accountability and responsibility. “A democratic order can be regarded as legitimate only if citizens have the impression and belief that they can play an adequate part in democratic life and that good and fair political decisions are made”, wrote German political scientist Hans Vorlader.