Goodbye 2025! Next year, we’re continuing at full speed

Dear readers,

I am humbled and happy to address you for the first time since stepping into my role as vice-president for communication. As we reach the close of 2025, I also feel privileged to write this final editorial. Year ends are a perfect opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on what we have achieved together. I am not alone in believing that, for our Committee, this has been an exceptional year shaped by determination, dialogue and a deep commitment to the people of Europe.

In 2025, in our opinions and events, we focused on issues that touch everyday lives: affordable housing, EU enlargement, the cost of living and many other topics. These are not distant policy debates — they are the concerns people talk about at their kitchen tables, on the way to work, or while trying to plan for the future. And they have guided much of our work.

This autumn also marked a new chapter for us. With our new leadership we set out a clear direction: civil society should sit at the heart of Europe’s decisions. Our new president has brought fresh energy, with a strong emphasis on fighting poverty and ensuring that no one is left behind. It is a reminder of why our Committee exists: to bring the voices of people, organisations and communities directly into EU policymaking.

End-of-year editorials are also a perfect opportunity to reflect on what still lies ahead — and I can already tell you we’re not slowing down. Next year, we will continue to work at full speed, making sure that the concerns of Europe’s citizens — social fairness, economic inclusion, democratic participation and sustainability — remain front and centre.

I am also happy to share that two of our flagship events will be back in 2026.

From 2 to 5 March 2026, we will hold our third Civil Society Week. The 2026 edition is entitled ‘People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!’ We will bring together civil society representatives from all over Europe to talk, exchange ideas and work together on solutions. It is a place where challenges are acknowledged and where hope and creativity often take over.

Then, on 19 and 20 March 2026, we welcome young people to Brussels for our top youth event, Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS), under the theme ‘Giving Youth a Voice’. Taking place since 2010, it has already become the hallmark of the EESC, and it is truly special: this year it will bring together 137 students, teachers and young adults for two days of real, hands-on participation. They meet each other face-to-face, debate the issues that matter to them, and turn their ideas into recommendations that feed directly into our work and the work of the EU institutions. Watching young Europeans step into democratic life with such passion is one of the highlights of our year.

Looking back, one thing is clear: Europe is stronger when people are heard. And looking ahead, we want to make that space even wider. As we move into a new year, our Committee will remain a place where people’s voices shape policy, where different perspectives are welcomed, and where resilience is built together, step by step.

I hope you will enjoy reading the final issue of our newsletter this year. As well as bringing you news about the EESC, we are shining a spotlight on housing — a topic that has shaped so much of our work this year. To do it justice, we give the floor to those who know it best — the policy makers, experts, advocates and practitioners working on the ground. Their insights remind us of the real impact policies have on people’s daily lives.

Thank you for reading, for engaging and for being part of this community. We look forward to continuing the journey with you in the year ahead.

Marija Hanževački

EESC vice-president for communication