Successful experiences and promising practices from the 2016 EESC Civil Society Prize
Burgerschap
Pages
Presentation by Regina Jensdottir (Council of Europe, co-ordinator of the "One in Five" and "Underwear rule" campaigns) on the occasion of the EESC hearing on ’Protection of children against sexual abuse’
The EESC believes that there is much more to European citizenship, and that a political system such as the EU must cultivate and strengthen the political, social and cultural dimensions of the Union. If we want people to feel truly connected to Europe, we need to develop their ability to exercise political power ("power" in the sense of participation in governance). We can develop that ability by providing knowledge about the political system and using mechanisms that allow for participation from the bottom up.
Presentation by Ariane Couvreur and Laura Bosch (ECPAT International) on the occasion of the EESC hearing on ’Protection of children against sexual abuse’
"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 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.