EESC opens applications for its Civil Society Prize on combating harmful polarisation of European society

Civil society organisations, individuals and private companies can now enter their non-profit projects for the EESC’s prize dedicated to combating the harmful polarisation of European society

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has launched its 15th Civil Society Prize. The specific objective of this edition is to reward effective, innovative and creative non-for-profit initiatives/activities carried out in the EU that combat harmful polarisation of European society.

A total of EUR 50 000 will be awarded to a maximum of five winners.

The deadline for entries is 10:00 (Brussels time) on 7 November 2024.

The award ceremony is likely to take place during the EESC Civil Society Week in March 2025.

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. Each year, the prize focuses on a different theme particularly relevant to the EU.

Who can apply?

Applications can be submitted by all civil society organisations officially registered within the European Union and acting at local, regional, national or European level. The prize is also open to individuals who reside in the EU, as well as to companies registered or operating within the EU, provided that their projects are strictly not-for-profit.

All eligible initiatives and projects have to be carried out in the EU. They must have already been implemented or still be ongoing. Those which have been planned but whose implementation has not started by 7 November 2024 will be excluded.

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

Which project themes are eligible?

To be eligible, the entries must cover at least one of the issues listed in the eligibility criteria published in the rules governing the 15th EESC Civil Society Prize, available on the EESC’s dedicated web page.

The activities/initiatives proposed for the prize can cover a wide range of themes, such as:

• identifying the individual and collective determinants of harmful polarisation and patterns that lead to de-escalation of tense situations;
• fostering transparency surrounding the funding of organisations, in particular those that polarise society or foster disinformation, violence or radicalisation;
• combating shrinking media plurality;
• promoting media freedom, diversity and independence;
• promoting transparency of content moderation including on online platforms;
• countering disinformation and fake news;
• strengthening media literacy, fostering critical thinking and enhancing citizens’ resilience to disinformation;
• promoting narratives and actions that combat racism and xenophobia and support an inclusive attitude towards minorities and disadvantaged groups of any kind;
• preventing vulnerable people from becoming radicalised and bringing radicalised individuals ‘back into society’.

To apply, click here.

More about the theme of this year's prize

Polarisation refers to the sharpening of opinions or positions. It can be based on specific ideologies or refer to a specific issue. It is a multifaceted phenomenon which is not necessarily negative. Polarisation can be part of an open and pluralistic society that leaves space for freedom of expression on issues that are relevant or sensitive for public opinion. Open dialogue is an essential characteristic of a living democracy. The formulation of different, even sharp opinions and of disagreement can enrich the democratic debate, foster activism and be a driver of change.

However, as pointed out in an EESC study[1], both governments and civil society are becoming more confrontational, more polarised and less open to compromise. Polarisation often leads to a growing mutual distrust between like-minded groups and even to hostility. When polarisation is linked with hate, it does not lead to enriching debates and usually makes it impossible to find common ground. This type of polarisation is harmful for societal relations, increases social tensions, hampers cohesion, fosters mistrust in political institutions and puts democracy at risk.

Multiple crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, the cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine, coupled with social instability, economic decline and a growing mistrust in public services and public authorities all provide a potential breeding ground for harmful polarisation.

Public authorities and civil society can play an important role in monitoring hotbeds of online and offline polarisation and may help protect liberal democracy from authoritarian trends. For this reason, the EESC has decided to award its 15th civil society prize to non-profit initiatives that intervene effectively by implementing preventive, early-warning and (where needed) de-escalation measures that ensure democratic values are respected, polarisation does not become harmful and that one-sided narratives do not lead to acts of violence.

Previous Civil Society Prizes

The 14^th edition saw the first prize go to the AgeWell project by the Third Age Foundation. In 2022, the EESC exceptionally awarded a prize for two themes: youth and Ukraine. In 2021, the prize honoured climate projects promoting a just transition. In 2020, the EESC replaced its Civil Society Prize with a one-off Civil Solidarity Prize dedicated to the fight against COVID-19. Other topics in the past have included gender equality and women’s empowerment, European identities and cultural heritage, and migration.