Dear readers,

2024 will be the year of change, not only in Europe but around the world. As we gear up for the largest democratic exercise of this continent, the European Parliament elections in June, national or presidential elections will take place in over 50 countries worldwide, including the U.S. Political constellations will shift, and new paths will be chartered.

For the EU, the European Parliament elections will be a real test of citizens' trust. We have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, and it will be the European citizens' turn to tell us if the EU has passed the test. With the fight against poverty and social exclusion as the top priority for EU citizens, I expect it will not be smooth sailing for our Union. Inflation, job insecurity, and an overall lack of economic stability create a fertile ground for fear, feeding populist and extremist narratives.

While it will not be an easy task, the EU can stop this trend. We need to start engaging with voters, letting them speak up and have their voices heard. In this context, I am proud to announce the first-ever EESC Civil Society Week (4-8 March), where citizens from across Europe, both young and old, will engage in a dialogue and formulate messages for the next round of EU leaders in the new European Commission and Parliament.

The EU will also need to navigate new challenges. The recent historic decision from the December European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova while granting a candidate status to Georgia signaled a crucial phase for enlargement. The ball is on the camp of the candidates to undertake necessary reforms, but the EU leaders have also committed to addressing internal reforms, with conclusions expected in the summer of 2024. From the EESC perspective, we are advancing the cause through a progressive integration of "Enlargement Candidate Members" in our work, who will contribute to the drafting of the our opinions and participate in plenary sessions. After launching a call, we are in the process of selecting the new members, and we will kick-off their work during next month EESC plenary session.

All this will be happening under the watchful eye of the Belgian Presidency of the EU, which is tasked with closing legislative files while also gearing up for the EP elections. For those who missed the Belgian Presidency priorities, tune in for our January Plenary session.

As we embark on the journey of 2024, it is important to remember that change is not a stumbling block, but an opportunity to grow. It is a chance to shape narratives and bring back a stronger and more united Europe.

Oliver Röpke

EESC President