The European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity (North-South Centre) was set up in Lisbon in May 1990. The Centre acts as an interface between both sides of the Mediterranean, offering a platform for structured co-operation with the participation of governments, parliaments, regional and local authorities and civil society. The Centre’s role is to represent "a voice of the South" within the Council of Europe and to advocate, beyond the European continent, the universality of values of democracy, human rights, dialogue, co-operation and solidarity. To date, 16 States have joined the Centre as members, including two non-members States of the Council of Europe (Morocco and Cape Verde). Tunisia has also announced its intention to join the North-South Centre.