European Economic and Social Committee
This book argues that civil society, by which we mean associations, interest groups and the employers’and union organisations, is an essential pillar of democracy. During meetings with representatives of organised civil society, the writer has gathered a series of examples of how they have made their voices heard in the EU.
This report examines the extent to which European citizens engage in participatory
democracy, and the extent to which they believe that political decision-making can be
influenced through their own actions and through those of civil society organisations.
The European Economic and Social Committee is pleased to invite you to a comprehensive exhibition designed by Deyrolle pour l'Avenir,celebrating the European Year of Citizens and exploring the meaning and implications of citizenship.
The European Year of Citizens in 2013 is an unparalleled opportunity for the European
Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to underline the direct role of Europe’s 500 million citizens in building unity and prosperity, fostering integration and nurturing social solidarity.
"We believe that the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge and technology must become the internal market’s ‘fifth freedom’ in addition to people, goods, capital and services." Daniela Rondinelli, rapporteur,EESC opinion on a partnership for excellence and growth in the European Research Area
This study addresses questions concerning the state of the Civil Society and how Civil Society Organisations have been affected by the Financial Crisis. Through analysis of data gathered from various reports and other documentation, in-depth interviews with a number of individual representatives from different organisations and thought-leaders in the field, and results of a questionnaire survey, this study reveals a diversity of responses from the broad field of civil society in Europe.
“Contrary to the populist ideas being voiced in certain political quarters in numerous EU countries, current economic problems are not related to excesses by eurocrats in Brussels, but to the fact that European integration is fundamentally incomplete.” Georgios Dassis, rapporteur, avis du CESE «Pour une analyse actualisée du coût de la non-Europe»
"From April 2012, European citizens will enjoy a new right, which will give them a stronger voice in EU affairs when the European Citizens’ Initiative enters into force. From that moment on, they will be able to express their demands in a new, unprecedented way. By collecting one million signatures across Europe, they can call upon the European Commission to propose or change European legislation. The European Economic and Social Committee has been an advocate of citizens’ rights to participate since the beginning of the European project.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has organised the second edition of a competition to design an innovative, sustainable and creative design product, including packaging, with a strong civil society message.
The European Commission Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry and CUMULUS (International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media) joined forces to increasing the communication impact and enhancing European institutions involvement in sustainable design practices and innovation.
"Dialogue and participation. Sustainability and growth. Solidarity and development.
These are the priorities of my presidency, which will form the scope of the Committee’s actions, together with the sections’ work programmes."
(Staffan Nilsson, President of the European Economic and Social Committee)
