The European Citizen’s Prize for 2014 has been awarded the Smile of the Child charity in Greece, which has been focusing on defending children rights and tackling their daily problems.
For the past twenty years the charity has provided accommodation for children in danger, telephone support, consultation on social integration, support towards impoverished households and organized cultural and athletic events to support its campaigns.
With the outbreak of the financial crisis in Greece there was a dramatic increase in the cases of children in need, with the charity rising to the challenges. In the first half of 2014 the charity supported 57,056 children, about 90% more than in the first half of 2013.
Each year, the European Parliament awards “The European Citizen’s Prize” for exceptional achievements in the following areas: Activities or actions by citizens, groups, associations or organizations having displayed an outstanding commitment to promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens of the Member States; or to facilitating cross-border or transnational cooperation within the European Union.
This could also include activities or actions by citizens engaged in long-term, cross-border or transnational cultural cooperation contributing to the strengthening of a European spirit. Preference is given to projects linked to the current European Year.
