European Economic
and Social Committee
Enlargement should remain among EU's top priorities
Statement by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for External Relations (REX)
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Communication and its accompanying country reports, which reaffirm that enlargement stands high on the EU’s priority agenda and confirm that the accession of new Member States is increasingly within reach. The Committee also looks forward to the upcoming Communication on in-depth policy reviews and reforms, which should outline the reforms the EU must undertake to prepare for its next round of enlargement.
Together with our civil society partners in candidate countries, the EESC remains a strong advocate of EU enlargement. “Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity. It provides an opportunity to build a stronger Europe based on our shared values and principles. Civil society must be at the heart of Europe, and as such also at the heart of EU's enlargement policy. Functioning civil and social dialogue in candidate countries are essential prerequisites for a successful and merit-based process,” said Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee.
The EESC is already working hand in hand with civil society in the candidate countries, supporting them on their path towards the EU. “Through our joint working structures with the civil society, we promote commitment to the EU’s fundamental values – democracy, human rights, labour rights, and the rule of law,” emphasised Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for External Relations.
The EESC is proud to put into practice the gradual integration of candidate countries in its day-to-day work through the implementation of its ground-breaking Enlargement Candidate Members (ECMs) initiative which allows civil society representatives from candidate countries to work alongside EESC members on key EU policies.
For more information, please contact:
Hugh Reilly
Senior Communication Advisor/Spokesperson
EESC President's Cabinet
+32 2 546 8727