European civil society actors win prize

(Vatican Radio) The European Economic and Social Committee awarded its annual Civil Society Prize to three organizations Wednesday, during the committee’s plenary session.

The annual prize underlines the achievements of civil society organizations, which demonstrate ingenuity in developing projects with a positive impact on the lives of Europeans.

Staffan Nillson, president of the committee, told Vatican Radio he hopes this year’s recipients will inspire other similar initiatives in Europe’s member states.

The prize “is a symbol” of the excellence among civil society actors in Europe, he said.

The nominations were reviewed according to the theme selected for 2012, “Innovate for a Sustainable Europe”.

First prize went to the UK-based Transition Network, whose REconomy Project is focused on building local and environmentally sustainable economies.

The second prize was given to the Portuguese CAIS Association, which works toward the social reintegration of homeless people.

The Swedish organization Livstycket, which helps immigrant women integrate into Swedish society, received third prize.

Listen to the report: