The “Civil Society Days” is an event promoted by the European Economic and Social Committee. This year the 2019 edition will be held on 12 and 13 June in Brussels at a pivotal time for Europe. In fact it will take place after the European elections and before the constitution of the new European Parliament and the European Commission.

In this context and in view of the current pressures on democratic systems and the urgency of greater progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the “Civil Society Days” will focus on two main pillars, Democracy and Sustainability, exploring their connections and interactions through six interactive workshops:

Considering that democracy is the vital breeding ground to create a more sustainable society, economy and environment, six interactive workshops will take a closer look at what Sustainable Democracy in Europe could mean in terms of:

• Resilient democracies: the positive impact of civic action and organized civil society

• Towards more inclusive youth organisations

• Transitioning to an economy for people and planet

• E-democracy, the advocacy power of citizens and alternative forms of active participation

• Protecting freedom of expression in culture and education

• Economy and democracy in the labour market: for a resilient and sustainable pathway.

The 2019 edition will not only be a very timely occasion for civil society organisations to address these key issues for the future of Europe but will also comprise, for the first time, parallel events on national level to engage as much as possible with citizens on crucial topics for all of us.