European Economic and Social Committee

Active Citizenship

For a better European society

Active citizenship is the glue that keeps society together. Democracy doesn’t function properly without it, because effective democracy is more than  just placing a mark on a voting slip. The European Economic and Social Committee’s mission is rooted in the principle of participative democracy, operating in addition to representative democracy, on the basis of a continuous dialogue between civil society and decision-makers. By definition,  participative democracy requires people to get involved, to play an active role … in their workplace, perhaps, or by taking part in a political   organisation or supporting a good cause. The area of activity does not matter. It is the commitment to the welfare of society that counts.

Staffan Nilsson
EESC President