EESC award for civil society in 2026 – “Fight against poverty in the European Union”

On July 26, 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has opened the Call for applications for the 16^th edition of the Award for Civil Society on the topic “The fight against poverty in the European Union”.

The Award Fund in the total amount of EUR 30.000 will be distributed among a maximum of three winners.
 
The Award is intended to the non-profit initiatives that contributes significantly to the fight against poverty by mitigating the consequences of material scarcity, promoting the economic and social inclusion of people living in poverty, as well as creating a stimulating environment that prevents the emergence of poverty and provides protection from it.

The deadline for submitting the applications is 6 November 2026 at 10.00. The more detailed information on the Award, the Call rules and application process are available on the EESC web site ( https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/16th-eesc-civil-society-prize) . The Awarding Ceremony will be holding during the Civil Society Week in Spring 2027.
 
The Award for Civil Society, which EESC founded in 2006, recognises and encourages concrete achievements and initiatives of the CSOs and individuals at the European, national, regional and local level. The creative and innovative initiatives that accomplish long-term positive effect, as well as contribute to promoting of European identity, European citizenship and the integration process to the EU, are rewarded.
 

News | European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)