On 24 February 2022, when the war in Ukraine started, we at the EESC immediately condemned the unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian government.

Over the last year, we expressed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people in many ways, calling for firm actions at both EU and national level. I am proud of the Committee and its hard work to assess the consequences of the war on Ukrainian and European people and businesses and how to best support Ukraine and its civil society.

We adopted two strong resolutions and a third is to be adopted in the February plenary. The first resolution, passed in March 2022, concerned the economic, social and environmental impact of the war. The second resolution, passed in June, strived to be forward-thinking, looking at the post-war relief and reconstruction of Ukraine. Notably, the EESC called for the EU to grant candidate status to Ukraine – a decision the Council took a few days afterwards. We have also opened our doors to representatives of Ukrainian civil society organisations, such as Promote Ukraine, with office space and logistical and administrative support.  

The war in Ukraine will remain top priority for Europe. Hopefully we will soon be able to start working on the reconstruction of Ukraine, which must be sustainable, transparent, green and digital. A genuine involvement of social partners and other civil society organisations will be needed for the recovery.

Although there is grief, sadness, anger and pain, which needs to be acknowledged and heard, I am deeply touched by the strength of the Ukrainian people, their hope, courage and resilience. We have also seen people, businesses and communities across Europe show their support and solidarity for Ukraine's people.  

At our January plenary debate Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated "Relentlessly, Ukraine is fighting for democracy, freedom and justice. And fighting for us too." I fully agree. Europe will only be safe with a free and democratic Ukraine!

Christa Schweng
EESC president