Liaison Group Newsletter March 2022

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Editorial

In this first editorial after the Civil Society Days of 15-17 March 2022, I would like to focus on this flagship event organised each year by the EESC and the Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks.

My wholehearted thanks go to the co-chair of the Liaison Group Brikena Xhomaqi, the civil society organisations, the EESC members and staff who dedicated much time and energy to organise and lead very interesting debates. Their exceptional cooperation contributed to turn the event into a constructive forum for civil dialogue. My thanks are also extended to the high-level speakers from EU institutions, such as Commission's Vice-president Schinas, Vice-president Šuica, members of the European Parliament, representatives of national governments and civil society networks as well as to numerous participants.

The overarching topic chosen for this year was “The EU as a driver of shared prosperity – civil society for an economy that works for people and the planet", but given the background of the horrendous war going on in Ukraine, the importance of peace, freedom and full solidarity with Ukrainians was in everybody's thoughts.

Discussions in plenary sessions and seven thematic workshops focused on how to build a thriving economy that leaves no one behind in the new context shaped by COVID -19 and the war in Ukraine, against the backdrop of the twin green and digital transitions.