Civil society organisations, individuals and private companies can now enter their non-profit projects for the EESC’s prize devoted to combating the harmful polarisation of European society.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has just launched its 15th Civil Society Prize. The specific objective of this year's prize is to reward effective, innovative and creative not-for-profit initiatives and activities in the European Union that combat the harmful polarisation of European society.

A total of EUR 50 000 will be awarded to a maximum of five winners. The deadline for entries is set at 10:00 (Brussels time) on 7 November 2024. The award ceremony is set to take place during the EESC's Civil Society Week in March 2025.

Applications can be submitted by any civil society organisation officially registered in the EU and acting at local, regional, national or European level. The prize is also open to individuals who reside in - as well as to companies registered or operating in - the EU, provided that their projects are strictly not-for-profit.

Initiatives and projects must be carried out in the EU to be eligible. They must already have been implemented or still be ongoing. A full description of requirements and the online application form are available on the EESC's Civil Society Prize web page.

The types of activities and/or initiatives proposed for the prize can cover a wide range of topics, such as: identifying individual and collective determinants of harmful polarisation; fostering transparency surrounding the funding of organisations; combating shrinking media plurality; promoting media freedom, diversity and independence; and countering disinformation and fake news.

The aim of the EESC’s flagship Civil Society Prize is to raise awareness of civil society’s outstanding contribution to creating a European identity and citizenship and to promoting the common values that bolster European integration. Each year, the prize focuses on a different theme that is particularly relevant to the EU. (lm)