As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect on a year of significant achievements for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Together, we have strengthened civil society’s voice, reinforced democratic principles, and championed sustainability within Europe and globally.

One of our proudest milestones was the launch of the Enlargement Candidate Members (ECM) initiative, bringing representatives from EU candidate countries into EESC advisory processes. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to a transparent and merit-based enlargement process, preparing future member states to fully participate in shaping the EU.

We expanded global partnerships through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil’s Sustainable Economic and Social Development Council. This strengthened cooperation on sustainable development and democracy, exemplified during my meetings with President Lula da Silva. At the G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the EESC played a central role, advocating for governance reform and enhanced social protections alongside President Lula and the Brazilian government. Similarly, our partnership with the African Union, formalized through a joint declaration at the UN Summit of the Future, emphasized inclusive global governance and equitable climate action. These global initiatives highlight the EESC’s growing influence in addressing shared challenges.

Within Europe, the Civil Society Week demonstrated the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping the EU’s future. At the High-Level Enlargement Forum, we reaffirmed that enlargement is not just about expanding borders but about deepening shared values. Meetings with leaders like Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama focused on ensuring that civil society plays a central role in EU accession negotiations. These efforts were complemented by discussions on digital transformation at the EESC Bureau meeting in Warsaw, aligning technological advancements with European values of equity and fairness. These efforts lay the groundwork for the upcoming Polish EU presidency.

As we look to 2025, our focus remains on strengthening participatory democracy, advancing social justice, and tackling global challenges like climate change and digitalization. The EESC will continue to work tirelessly for a Europe that listens, inspires, and leaves no one behind.

May the coming year bring peace, progress, and prosperity to all.