Connecting EU 2021

On 18-19 November, the European Economic and Social Committee held its Connecting EU seminar 2021. Entitled "What kind of Europe do you dream of? Civil Society and the Conference on the Future of Europe", the Connecting EU Seminar debated three issues that will be crucial for tomorrow's Europe. The event was held fully in person in the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.

Entitled "What kind of Europe do you dream of? Civil Society and the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE)", the Connecting EU Seminar will broach three topics that are among the nine proposed for citizens' discussions under the Conference. They are:

  • health;
  • stronger economy, social justice and jobs;
  • European democracy.

The EESC believes these to be the issues closest to the hearts of Europeans or at the top of their concerns. The topics will be discussed in three panels, with speakers from academic circles, researchers and media and NGO representatives.

The EESC's intention with the seminar is to show its deep commitment to the CoFoE as a key step towards regaining people's trust in and support for the EU. It hopes that the participants, both those present in Lisbon and those following via live stream, will communicate the takeaways from the seminar to members of their organisations back home.

In this way, the event can help to get more Europeans involved in the debate on Europe's future, helping them to express their ideas, wishes, concerns and expectations about what kind of Europe they dream of.