With the European elections in June 2024 laying the groundwork for Europe's future, the EESC, as civil society's institutional partner, is organising its first Civil Society Week, entitled Rise Up for Democracy!

Will you be part of it?

We will gather people of a range of ages and with a variety of backgrounds, including young people, journalists, and representatives of the EU institutions, to engage in a lively debate about issues that affect our daily lives and Europe's future. We will address the various threats and challenges to democratic values, as well as what civil society expects of Europe's future leaders. Our proposals will then be incorporated into the EESC's Resolution for the elections and specific policy proposals.

 #CivSocWeek will bring together five major EESC initiatives:

• Civil Society Days – an annual flagship event highlighting the wide range of contributions from organised civil society to the building of an EU that is more in line with citizens' expectations on crucial issues for our democratic societies. This in turn seeks to encourage greater involvement by civil society in the European project at all levels.

• European Citizens' Initiative Day - a high-level annual conference, providing a forum and platform where registered and future ECI organisers and stakeholders can exchange information and experiences and present their ECI-related activities to the public.
• Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) - a youth event connecting young people with the EU - from the Member States, the candidate countries and the UK - inspiring them to exercise their democratic right to vote. Through dynamic consultation sessions, young participants will engage in debates, foster collaboration, and reach consensus.
• Civil Society Prize - an annual prize rewarding effective, innovative and creative projects run by civil society and individuals. This year it will go to initiatives supporting mental well-being in Europe on an individual or collective basis
• Journalists' Seminar bringing together journalists from the Member States to join the discussions on the state of democracy in the Union and the upcoming European elections and to experience first-hand the Committee in action.

Join us and be inspired by our expert-led workshops and high-level policy debates. Make your voice heard on key issues for the new legislative cycle and connect with civil society associations and changemakers from all over Europe!

Check out the #CivSocWeek webpage and spread the word!