European Economic
and Social Committee
Liaison Group Newsletter April 2025
Dear Members and Friends of the Liaison Group,
We are navigating an era of profound geopolitical uncertainty — yet it is also a time marked by Europe’s renewed commitment to its core values. In this context, the active involvement of organised civil society is not simply a democratic ideal; it is a strategic necessity. As President of the European Economic and Social Committee, I have placed this conviction at the heart of our work.
Throughout the month of April, I have continued my work to ensure that the voice of civil society is not only heard but decisively shapes policy at every level — from EU enlargement and global partnerships to the green and digital transitions, social inclusion, gender equality, care and integration policies, and the fight against discrimination and misinformation.
On 4 April, the first meeting of the EU–Albania Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee in Tirana marked a new chapter in our engagement in the Western Balkans. This dialogue is more than a formality; it is a powerful vehicle for anchoring democratic values, social dialogue and civil dialogue in the EU accession process, where it matters most: on the ground, with citizens, CSOs, workers, employers, and social partners.
Our international engagement also extended beyond the continent. In a trilateral meeting with Commissioner Jozef Síkela and the leadership of the African Union’s ECOSOCC, we explored how to strengthen EU–Africa civil society relations.
At the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference on 10 April, I emphasized that circularity must be grounded in real economy and real people. I welcomed the renewed partnership with the European Commission to sustain this essential platform.
Furthermore, our presence at two informal EPSCO meetings – on Social Policy and Equality, on 14-16 April, in Warsaw – was another demonstration of how civil society contributes to shaping concrete EU action. At the Informal Meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers, I presented the EESC’s views on digitalisation, integration of migrants and gender equality in the labour market — always highlighting the irreplaceable role of civil society in making policies socially sustainable.
At the following EPSCO Equality meeting, I brought forward EESC contributions on gender inequality in the digital sphere and the fight against disinformation targeting the Roma community.
Finally, on 29 April, we also hosted a timely debate at the EESC Plenary Session on Democracy and Digitalisation, examining how technology is reshaping democratic participation and highlighting the essential role of civil society in safeguarding rights, countering disinformation, and promoting inclusive, transparent digital governance.
Through each of these actions, my aim has been to ensure that civil society is not treated as a stakeholder among many, but as a strategic pillar of our Union — one that shapes, drives, and defends the values we all share.
As always, I am grateful for the work of the Liaison Group and all its members. Together, we will continue to make sure that organised civil society remains at the heart of Europe’s journey.
Oliver Röpke
President of the EESC
Co-chair of the Liaison Group