On 1 January 2020, Croatia will take the reins of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time since it joined the EU in 2013.

Croatia's debut on the European stage comes at a time that could hardly be more exciting.

Not only does it coincide with the beginning of the EU's new institutional cycle and the start of the new Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen, but the country will also be at the helm of the EU during the very final stage of Brexit, with the UK set to leave the Union at the end of the first 30 days of its Presidency.

It also comes at a time when Europe is facing many pressing challenges, ranging from rude awakenings regarding the increasingly adverse effects of climate change and the demons of populism unleashed, all the way to the widening economic and social disparities between Member States, which threaten to shake the very foundations of the European project.

Croatia has therefore announced it will strive to work on strengthening the Union. The motto it has chosen for its Presidency is "A strong Europe in a world of challenges". Its programme will rest on four pillars promoting a strong and prosperous Europe based on common values:

  • a Europe that develops
  • a Europe that connects
  • a Europe that protects
  • an influential Europe.

The EESC is determined to contribute to the work of Europe's youngest Member State and to ensure that the voice of Europe's civil society is heard during its reign. In particular, the EESC will share the views of civil society on the following topics, through opinions it is preparing at the request of the Croatian presidency:

  • Financing the transition to a low-carbon economy and the challenges in financing climate change adaptation
  • Demographic challenges in the EU in light of economic and development inequalities
  • Sustainable funding for lifelong learning and development of skills, in the context of a shortage of skilled labour
  • The effects of campaigns on participation in political decision-making
  • A single market for all.

You can read more about the EESC's activities during the Croatian presidency in our brochure. Available in HR, EN, FR, DE (ll)