European Economic
and Social Committee
EDITORIAL: Let’s work together
As we settle into 2026 it is quite clear that we are living in eventful and challenging times. There is so much happening in the world of politics that it can seem overwhelming. Threats to security, to peace, and to democracy are piling up every passing day.
It is now more important than ever for us, as active members of civil society, to focus our energies and work together to make a difference in whatever way we can. At the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) we will lead initiatives, carry out studies and host conferences to amplify the voices of our members and our networks.
Our focus, through our role in the Treaties of the European Union, will allow us to contribute to the legislative proposals coming from the European Commission in the year ahead.
The Commission’s work programme helps us prepare for the opportunities ahead of us. For the first quarter, the Commission has announced that they will be publishing two key strategies – one on gender equality and another on intergenerational fairness. They will be important files in the coming months.
During the second quarter we can expect files on anti-poverty, specific proposals on strengthening the child guarantee, and housing-related files such as an initiative to tackle issues related to short-term rentals. More strategies will also follow, including one on sustainable tourism and a more robust strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities.
This is just to give you a flavour of the varied work that will come our way. As members of the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group we will be focused on championing our perspectives, both internally and to the other EU institutions. As president of our Group, I want all our readers to be involved: our doors and inboxes are open, and our work – in the form of EESC opinions and reports – needs you to help us reach as wide an audience as possible.
War is still on our doorstep in Europe. The climate and biodiversity crises have not gone away. The threats to democracy remain. And I could mention many more pressing concerns of European civil society here. Let’s work together to make 2026 the year where civil society steps forward and takes the lead in shaping an EU that protects fundamental rights, focuses on sustainable development and thrives on collaboration and cooperation.
In the meantime, as you can see from this Bulletin, the members of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group have been contributing their views, input and know-how on the various policies covered by the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), the EU budget for the period 2028-2034, which is currently in the negotiation phase. We are keeping a very close eye on this crucial exercise, which has probably never been as important as it will be this time round.
President, EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group