Brussels, 30/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - In 1992 Edward McMillan-Scott, Conservative Member of the European Parliament launched the "European Democracy Initiative", which aimed essentially on changing the nature of the Soviet Union. During a meeting of the new EP Human Rights sub-committee, McMillan-Scott (who is now one of the European Parliament vice presidents) described the initiative as "bureaucratic and safe without serious focus" and is proposing to revise it. The low level of participation in the European elections, the low (44%) percentage of Europeans who have a very high or a rather positive image of the European Union and the existence of a "new neighbourhood" that is unstable and not very democratic are arguments that for McMillan-Scott justify a genuine "Office of Democracy". Mr McMillan-Scott explained in a press statement that this office will be based at the European Parliament and will co-ordinate relations with the national parliaments, including third countries. It will also inspect how EU funds are used in the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as identifying "the causes of the decline of democracy within the EU".