In addition, the European Centre for Modern Languages itself lends its support to enhancing contact and cooperation among participants and promotes the establishment of national networks. Improvements to national and international networking models is an ongoing topic of discussion. To complement the workshops and seminars, an annual colloquy is held on a topic of common interest to all participating countries. In 1997 this colloquy was organised for the first time in cooperation with the European Commission. The European Centre for Modern Languages is an institution of the Council of Europe.
Special focus is given to supporting and promoting the principles of democracy and humanity.
As far as the organisational structure of the Centre is concerned, matters relating to the programme of activities are decided by the Governing Board of the partial agreement, on which all signatory states are represented. All decisions concerning content and organization are taken by the Governing Board. This in turn elects a Bureau, whose representatives currently come from Austria, Hungary, France, Malta and the Netherlands. Responsibility for implementing the programme lies with the directorate of the European Centre for Modern Languages in Graz, whose work is supported by an Austrian organisation, the 'Association of the European Centre for Modern Languages'. With its 250,000 inhabitants, Graz is Austria's second largest city.