Dear readers,

There are moments when we are reminded why communication matters.

For me, this year’s Connecting EU seminar was one of them.

Held at Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ and co-organised with the Economic and Social Committee of the Republic of Bulgaria, the EESC’s top annual communication event brought together press and communication officers from employers’ associations, trade unions and civil society organisations, as well as journalists, EESC members and representatives of European institutions.

For 18 years, this seminar has given those of us who communicate Europe a chance to step away from our daily work, exchange ideas and discuss the issues dominating Europe’s public debate. This year, those conversations felt more timely than ever.

Europe is changing. The assumptions that shaped our continent for decades are being challenged by a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, growing security concerns and increasing pressure on democratic institutions. It was against this backdrop that we chose to focus this year’s discussions on one central question: how can civil society help defend Europe’s values?

We talked about Europe’s economy and how we can best align competitiveness, social rights and sustainability. We discussed democracy at a time when disinformation, foreign interference and political polarisation are putting pressure on public debate across the continent. And because communication itself is changing, we also explored how artificial intelligence can help communicators do their work better, rather than replace it.

What stayed with me most was not that everyone agreed. Quite the opposite. There were different views, lively debates and challenging questions throughout the seminar. But there was also a shared understanding that good communication is not about slogans or easy answers. It starts with listening. It requires honesty. And it only works if people feel they are part of the conversation.

I would like to thank our colleagues at the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria for their outstanding partnership, as well as Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ for welcoming us into such an inspiring setting.

I hope everyone who joined us left Sofia with new ideas, new contacts and renewed motivation for the work they do every day. I know I certainly did.

For those of you who missed this year’s Connecting EU, we will soon publish a special edition of EESC Info with the main highlights of the seminar. You can also rewatch all the discussions at the event web page. And keep an eye on our social media channels for interviews with our panelists.

You can also catch up with all the EESC news we bring you in this issue. Our surprise guest is former Polish MEP, Commissioner and Minister Danuta Hübner, often referred to as Madame Europe, who unpacks for us the new proposal for the EU budget.

In the meantime, I think we all deserve a relaxing summer break! Wherever this summer takes you – to the coast, the countryside, the mountains or simply closer to home – I hope you find time to rest, recharge and return with fresh ideas. I look forward to continuing the conversation in autumn.

Have a wonderful summer!