European Economic
and Social Committee
EDITORIAL: 2025 comes to a close
December is a month of reflection. As the year comes to an end, we need to start preparing for 2026 and the many challenges it will bring. However, with every challenge also comes an opportunity – once we are ready to take it.
We are examining the recently published European Democracy Shield and the EU strategy for civil society to identify opportunities to strengthen the voices of the sectors and communities that we, in the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group, represent.
Our reflections include an acknowledgment of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, and the Schuman Declaration signed in 1950. With war once again on our doorstep and a high political focus on defence and security, we reflect also on the role of civil society in building peace.
Connecting and interacting with our neighbours and the diversity of cultures within the EU is part of our shield that protects and strengthens democracy and contributes to peace. The 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, which allows more than 450 million people to travel freely between Member countries without going through border controls, was also celebrated this year. Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen area on 1 January, and since 12 October, we have a new digital system operational in the area: the Entry/Exit System (EES).
The Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU comes to a close this month, building on the successful Polish Presidency that came before it and paving the way for the Cyprus Presidency to come in January. This rotating system allows all Member States the opportunity to take the lead in the EU and, most importantly, to showcase themselves as trusted, honest and reliable drivers of policies that should always seek to show that we are stronger together.
The work of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group will continue into the new year and across rotating presidencies and an ever-moving political landscape. We will continue to work as consumers, farmers, environmentalists, craftworkers, SMEs, liberal professionals and all others from the many sectors we are proud to represent. We will work for peace, security, democracy and resilience. We will work for strong and sustainable communities. We will, as always, be ready to play our part and represent marginalised voices in the EU institutions and beyond.
Enjoy this month’s issue, keep in touch with us, and let’s work together to make 2026 an anniversary we can celebrate in the decades to come.
President, EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group