STRENGTHENING COHESION AND PARTICIPATION IN POLARISED SOCIETIES | 17-20 March 2025
In recent years, overlapping crises – from the lingering effects of the pandemic to the escalating challenges of climate change, increasing living costs, and widening income disparities – have created fertile ground for widespread polarisation. Social instability, economic downturns and widespread discontent, particularly among those who feel unheard and left behind, have further deepened societal divisions.
The outcomes of the 2024 elections worldwide underscore the urgency of addressing this trend, as polarisation continues to undermine trust in democratic institutions and strain the unity of our communities.
What can we do?
To address these pressing concerns, Civil Society Week 2025 will gather a diverse range of civil society stakeholders from Europe and beyond, providing a unique platform to engage in critical debates, share best practices, and collaborate to develop solutions that foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic engagement.
Together with experts, EU policy-makers, national Economic and Social Councils, youth representatives, journalists, and civil society across Europe including candidate countries, we will host a four-day forum for lively debates and collaborative workshops, focusing on questions such as:
- How could a European Civil Society Strategy foster greater cohesion?
- How could participatory approaches drive cohesion and inspire collective action for Europe’s green and blue future?
- How could Europe lead in innovation while upholding its values, principles, and ethical standards?
- What policies are needed to enable capacity-building and funding for European civil society?
- What is the role of the European Citizens’ Initiative in tackling polarisation?
- How could support be strengthened for the ECI at different levels in the Member States?
#CivSocWeek will bring together:
- EESC Liaison Group panels
- The European Citizens’ Initiative Day
- The Civil Society Prize award ceremony
Be part of the conversation!
Join us to engage with high-level EU policy-makers, experts, and civil society at large from across Europe. We will discuss the challenges we face and the solutions we can create together.
Seize the opportunity to turn the conversation into change.
Your voice matters in building a more cohesive and participatory Europe!