Creating a better future for young people and helping Ukrainian war victims are the two themes of this year's EESC Civil Society Prize. 

The EESC is now accepting applications for its Civil Society Prize 2022, which will reward innovative and creative projects and initiatives in two categories: empowering young people and helping Ukrainian civilians affected by the terrible events in their war-torn country.

A total of EUR 60 000 will be awarded to a maximum of six winners, with three winners per category. 

The theme of category 1 is empowering young people. The EESC will choose the winners from among the projects which aim to create a better future for and with young people in Europe. They should be tackling the specific needs of young Europeans and contributing to their empowerment and participation in economic and social life. 

The theme of Category 2 is European civil society for Ukraine. With the prize the EESC will pay tribute to all those active on the ground who offer humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians on a day-to-day basis and who aid refugees both upon arrival and during their integration into European society.

The prize is open to all civil society organisations, individuals and private companies carrying out non-profit initiatives. All initiatives and projects must have been carried out in the EU, with the exception of the projects in Category 2 which can also be carried out in Ukraine. 

Deadline for entries: 31 July 2022, 10 a.m. (Brussels time),

Award ceremony: 14-15 December 2022, Brussels

The full description of requirements and the online application form are available on our webpage.

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. (ll)