Broad participation by civil society is key to a strong recovery in Europe

Staff

A hearing organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) discussed opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans in the various Member States, revealing that civil society is still far from being effectively involved in the process. There were calls for improved consultations in the upcoming implementing phase, following the shortcomings at the drafting stage

"We must be united for the future of Europe, and now is the time for action", say EESC president Luca Jahier and European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira

Staff

At its June plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted a debate on the recovery of the European economy following the crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, stressing that the focus must now be on implementing the European Commission's plan

Civil society organisations call to have a hand in designing Europe's recovery plan

Staff

Civil society organisations have been at the forefront of fighting the pandemic in Europe, often stepping in at a moment's notice to plug huge gaps in the public provision of social services and healthcare. Meeting remotely with the EESC on 12 May, they asked to be at the table with EU institutions and governments to help design a recovery plan for a sustainable Europe

Human rights Film Festival 2019: "What are we leaving for our children?"

Cristina Barbetta

The students of the European Master’s in Human Rights at the Global Campus Europe - Global Campus of Human Rights announce the 11th edition of the Human Rights Film Festival on Saturday, 7 December, in Venice. On the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the festival theme is "Future generations: what are we leaving for our children?”We have met Kosta Karakashyan, who is the director of the festival

Last call to enter projects for the EESC's 2019 Civil Society Prize

Staff

Launched by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), this year the prize, rewarding excellence in civil society initiatives, is dedicated to the theme of gender equality. Final date for applications is 6 September

Blockchain can have multiple applications in the social economy, but must not create a new "digital economy elite"

Staff

Originally associated with cryptocurrencies, blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) are in fact very versatile and can be usefully applied to the social economy. However, it is important to regulate them properly and gear them to benefits for all, allowing everyone to participate, says the EESC in a report tabled at its July plenary

European Philanthropy Manifesto calling for a Single Market for Philanthropy

Staff

European foundations, philanthropic organisations and policymakers have come together to jointly launch the European Philanthropy Manifesto and to advocate for an enabling environment for philanthropy in Europe. The European Philanthropy Manifesto is a call to policy makers in Europe to work towards a Single Market for Philanthropy

A small step forward for human rights

*Valentina Pavarotti

Today ends the week of negotiations at the UN in Geneva for the Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights, an instrument that could protect the rights and the environment of many communities around the world.

Cultural projects: Italy in the lead

Staff

The European Economic and Social Committee has received 150 applications from 27 EU Member States for its Civil Society Prize 2018, that this year focuses on culture. Italy, that has presented 24 projects, is in the first place for number of applications sent, followed by Germany and Belgium, both on 13, nearly half of the Italian applications, and by Greece, with 11 applications.

Social Enterprise World Forum underway

Staff

SEWF 2018 returns to Edinburgh, where it began 10 years ago. From the 12th to the 14th of September over 1000 delegates coming from tens of countries around the world will gather to share insights and learn from the example of Scotland, that has a vibrant social enterprise scene