Civil Society Week: 17-20 March 2020 Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is holding for a second year the Civil Society Week: Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies from 17-20 March 2025, at the EESC premises, Jacques Delors Building (rue Belliard 99, B-1040 Brussels).

To address the outcomes of the 2024 elections worldwide and the growing trend of polarisation which continues to undermine democracy and trust in institutions, the Civil Society Week 2025 will gather a diverse range of civil society stakeholders from Europe and beyond, to engage in critical debates, share best practices, and collaborate to develop solutions that foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic engagement.

The opening session starts on Monday 17 March at 14.00 at the JDE building, room 62 with:

  • Welcome by Oliver Röpke, EESC President
  • Keynote speech by Albena Azmanova, professor of political and social science: From Polarisation to Collaboration: Can Democracies Dream Big Again?

A panel discussion:  Still united in diversity? following up moderated by Shada Islam 

With:

  • Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament 
  • Adriana Porowska, Minister for Civil Society (Polish Council Presidency) 
  • Ana Gallego, Director General, DG Just, European Commission
  • Brikena Xhomaqi, Co-chair of the EESC Liaison Group
  • Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General of the European Movement International
  • Mădălina-Mihaela Antoci, National Youth Council of Moldova 

Apart from the EESC Liaison panels, the event is bringing together:

  • The European Citizens' Initiative Day on Wednesday 18 March
  • The Award Ceremony of the EESC Civil Society Prize on Thursday 19 March, focused on the polarisation of societies, tackling disinformation and fake news.
  • EESC #CivSocWeek: 17-20 March 2025
  • EESC premises, JDE Building, 6th floor 
  • Programme and more information about the event please visit our website

For more information, please contact:

EESC Press Unit, Email: press@eesc.europa.eu 

#CivSocWeek