European Alternatives elected to steering committee of Civil Society Europe

Civil Society Europe is the European Coordination of Civil Society Organisations. The initiative was launched in Rome in December 2014 as a response to the lack of genuine civil dialogue at EU level (as enshrined in Article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty) and the success of the European Year of Citizens 2013.

Civil Society Europe aims to facilitate horizontal exchanges between civil society and decision makers in Europe, shape the European agenda on issues of common interest, and to campaign for a Europe based on solidarity, equality and democratic participation, a Europe which provides access to economic, social, cultural and civic rights for all.

The manifesto of Civil Society Europe can be read here :

http://www.civic-forum.fr/site/images/stories/pdf/building_civil_society_europe.pdf

Joining Niccolo on the Steering Committee are Paul Smits, AEGEE-Europe; Luca Bergamo, Culture Action Europe (CAE); Assya Kavrakova, European Citizen Action Service (ECAS); Jean-Marc Roirant, European Civic Forum (ECF); Katja Tuokko, European Movement International (EMI); Gabriella Civico, European Volunteer Centre (CEV); Conny Reuter, SOLIDAR, and Oonagh Aitken, Volonteurope.

Along with CIVICUS and European Civic Forum, European Alternatives is also leading the working group of Civil Society Europe on Fundamental Rights and Shrinking Civic Space in Europe. This working group will produce reports, policy proposals, events, trainings and advocacy to advance rights for citizens and defend civic space for freedom of speech, assembly and organisation.