A study on the impact that the crisis has had on civil society organisations in Europe and the opportunities that this brought with it, has been released by the EESC and the Institute for European Studies of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

"Perhaps the financial and economic crisis, which has now emerged as a fundamental crisis of the EU’s role in European society, can be seen as an opportunity to rejuvenate civil society to different, and potentially more productive and co-operative roles in decision-making processes. As is raised in this study, we could even start to rethink the meaning of democratic participation in policymaking by civil society. We show there is a potential for civil society in all of its different colours to facilitate engagement of European citizens for better, more constructive, engaged and fulfilling lives."


You can find the full publication here: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/resources/docs/qe-32-12-548-en-c.pdf