| dc.description.abstract | As the voice of organised civil society in Europe, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
brings together employers, trade unions and the diverse interests represented in the economic, civic,
professional and cultural fields. By enabling civil-society organisations from the Member States to
express their views at the European level, the EESC contributes to strengthening the democratic
legitimacy and effectiveness of the European Union and helps to ensure that European policies and
legislation are a better fit with the economic, social and civic circumstances on the ground.
For more than 60 years, the Committee has fostered dialogue and consensus between the sectors that
make up European society. EESC members represent a vast range of interests: community and youth
organisations, consumer and professional associations, environmental campaigners, associations of
disabled people, and many more.
It was to recognise civil society’s best efforts towards European identity and citizenship that the
EESC launched its annual Civil Society Prize back in 2006. The EUR-50 000 prize focuses on a different
topic every year. This year’s theme is climate action, celebrating effective and creative initiatives that
promote a just transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
The EESC received over 50 entries from 24 EU Member States. They demonstrate value and creativity
in a variety of areas, including reforestation, sustainable tourism, greening of industrial zones, youth
activism, inclusion of people with disabilities, and cooling overheated cities. This brochure presents
the five winning projects and gives an overview of the innovative approaches that civil society
organisations are taking to tackle the climate emergency. |
