The Commission was an international, non-governmental organisation established on 28 May 1993 under the direction of Jacques Chirac. Formed in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Commission aimed to bring together members of the European Democratic Union and the Liberal International with members of the Russian reformist movement with a view to 'seeking new ways towards a united Europe'. The aims of the Commission were stated in its Declaration as 'eradication of national, religious, ideological and racial prejudices in Europe; creation of political understanding between the European democrats of old and new type; creation of legal conditions and favourable environment for deepening the economic cooperation assistance to Russia in training the politicians ready to struggle for the ideals of democracy; establishment of regular information and opinion exchange'. Its headquarters were located in Vienna, and the Commission worked closely with the Council of Europe.