On 12 December, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) awarded the 2012 Civil Society Prize to Transition Network, a grassroots organisation set up in 2007 in the UK and currently active in 34 countries. More than 1000 local communities throughout Europe are engaged in transition towards a more sustainable economic and social model. The Civil Society Prize celebrates the achievements of civil society organisations which develop projects that have a positive impact on Europeans’ lives and help promote European values. In this award, the EESC supports grassroots organisations operating at European, national and local level.