Dear readers,

As I am writing this, our mailbox is already filling with applications for the 2022 Civil Society Prize, which we launched in early June. Like every year, we are looking for the most creative and outstanding projects by civil society organisations and individuals, the ones that always make our hearts swell with pride for the fantastic work done by civil society on the ground across Europe.

However, this year is special. For the first time, we picked two themes for our prize, instead of the usual one: youth and Ukraine. This means we will be looking for two sets of winners, three in each category.

With 2022 being the European Year of Youth, we first decided we would honour projects that empower young people. With our prize, we want to showcase the pressing need to give young people the opportunity to become active citizens and meaningfully engage in decision-making processes affecting our, and especially their, future. 

But as Russia unleashed a brutal attack on Ukraine causing horrendous human suffering, news began to trickle in about selfless efforts being made by Europe's civil society organisations and citizens, who mobilised overnight to help Europe's neighbours.

This is when we decided to open up our prize to projects helping Ukrainian civilians afflicted by the war. We will be looking for winners among those who are providing humanitarian aid on the ground, those giving shelter, those assisting with the integration of Ukrainians into European job markets, schools and society and all those who were there and continue to be there for people who are facing brutality and aggression, at the time when they need it the most.

So if you are running a project which aims to create a better future for young people or if you are trying to help Ukrainians in any way – either refugees already in the EU or those who have stayed in their war-torn country – quickly send us your application. Also, if you know someone who does outstanding work on either of these two themes, spread the word! Hurry up, as time is running out: the deadline for applications is 31 July.

We hope to receive many creative and useful projects. This will be our chance to pay tribute to all those who are striving to make Europe better for and together with young people, as well as to everyone out there showing courage, humanity and solidarity in the face of evil.

Cillian Lohan
EESC Vice-President for Communication