From the Sahel to Syria, from Gaza to Ukraine, the European Union is encircled by crises that continue to drive mass displacement. These are not distant emergencies and protracted crises – they are Europe’s front yard. For EU policymakers, the takeaway is clear: delivering aid to find solutions for populations on the move and investing in regions facing extreme fragility risks is not just a moral duty, it is a strategic imperative. And the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must reflect that.
From the Sahel to Syria, from Gaza to Ukraine, the European Union is encircled by crises that continue to drive mass displacement. These are not distant emergencies and protracted crises – they are Europe’s front yard. For EU policymakers, the takeaway is clear: delivering aid to find solutions for populations on the move and investing in regions facing extreme fragility risks is not just a moral duty, it is a strategic imperative. And the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must reflect that.
No less than 26 countries affected by these crises surrounding Europe are currently under acute strain – grappling with war, economic collapse, climate shocks and other aspects of fragility. Nearly half the world’s refugees live in or near these conflict and volatile zones. Nationals from these countries now account for one-third of asylum claims in the EU – and that’s without counting the 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees already residing in the Union.
Migration pressures are growing, and Europe’s response must evolve. The projected drop in global official development assistance – from €200 billion in 2024 to under €150 billion by 2026 – is, in this respect, a short-sighted decision. While security and business competitiveness rightly receive increased budgets, underinvesting in stability and resilience beyond EU borders is a political gamble Europe cannot afford. While some argue that assisting displaced communities and their hosts is a matter of values and solidarity, it is also fundamentally about Europe’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Managing population movements must begin long before people reach European borders. Deterrence at borders – whether through fences or legal hurdles – does not stop those fleeing bombs, persecution or desperation. If Europe wants migration that is orderly, predictable and manageable, it must engage upstream – addressing root causes such as poverty and armed violence; supporting and protecting internally displaced persons in their own country before they feel forced to cross a border; and, finding solutions for refugees in countries immediately neighbouring these hot spots.
This is not about idealism; it is about realpolitik. Aid policy should serve the Union’s geopolitical goals – reducing instability, strengthening economic and trade partnerships – and ultimately, preserving EU credibility on the global stage. Being a thought leader for which solidarity still means something, while ensuring benefits for its own people, is what sets it apart from other nations.
The EU’s swift and well-funded response to the war in Ukraine and the mass displacement it triggered – both internally and across its border – showed that the Union has learned key lessons from the 2015 Syria crisis. But the current scale, proximity and complexity of the belt of crises now unfolding around Europe demand an equally strategic and sustained response. Mounting security concerns and economic pressures make this even more urgent. EU Member States must meet the moment by equipping the Union with the necessary financial means to deliver on its ambitious but unavoidable goals. That begins with agreeing to an overall budget that exceeds the current 1% of Gross National Income (GNI), so that the EU can act decisively and sustainably in response to today’s realities.
This is why calculated, forward-looking decisions on the next MFF are so critical. UNHCR recommends concrete measures to ensure that investment to address forcible displacement is fully aligned with EU priorities:
Secure a minimum of €2.3 billion annually for humanitarian aid so that when crises emerge, one can immediately respond and stop the suffering.
Ring-fence at least 10% of the next international partnerships instrument for displacement and migration to stabilise people on the move closer to their home, especially in Mediterranean countries, before people feel forced to embark on dangerous journeys across the sea.
This is not only about spending more, but about spending with foresight – allocating resources in ways that reduce downstream costs of having to deal with a power vacuum, missed economic investment opportunities and increased populations on the move.
With adequate resources, third countries that host displaced people will meet their needs – offering solutions pending a return home. External aid geared towards refugees has often been an opportunity to develop public services and to create jobs for underserved local populations in host countries. Europe’s whole-of-route approach requires investments as early as possible – in countries of origin and of transit. The goal is not just to reduce movements for the sake of it, but to find durable solutions for those on the move. This will directly serve European interests of curbing irregular – or what most refer to as illegal – arrivals at its border. But it will also reduce the risk of people to fall prey to traffickers or embark on perilous journeys.
An integrated, well-resourced EU approach to forced displacement is not about philanthropy, it is about making an investment for Europe’s own future. When crises go unaddressed, they do not ‘just’ create human suffering. They destabilise regions and undermine trade and other partnerships. Having people compelled to move to Europe for their own safety are foreseeable outcomes of us having neglected situations earlier on.
At UNHCR, we have embraced the EU’s current pivot toward making aid more transactional and mobilising private capital for development through the Global Gateway initiative. We have long recognised that public finance must be used to mobilise private capital in providing sustainable responses to forced displacement. The Global Gateway can be transformative if displaced people and host communities are built into its design, not added as an afterthought.
The international system is evolving, and the housekeeping starts at home. With the Humanitarian Reset and UN80 on the horizon, we have a real opportunity to reform how aid is delivered against its promise – making it more efficient and effective at the same time. The EU is right to push for more accountability and better results. But without proper financial support, we will for sure fail on both counts.
The choices made in the next MFF will shape the Union’s ability to manage its borders humanely, safeguard its internal cohesion and be a partner of choice for third countries. External aid must remain a strategic priority. It is the foundation for a more stable and prosperous Europe.
UNHCR’s latest recommendations for the next MFF are available here.
An integrated, well-funded EU approach to forced displacement is not an act of philanthropy – it is an investment in Europe’s own future. With complex crises unfolding at its borders, Europe will need to come up with a bold and strategic response. As talks on the next EU budget begin, the choices made in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) will shape the Union’s ability to manage its borders humanely, safeguard its internal cohesion and be a partner of choice for third countries, writes our surprise guest Jean-Nicolas Beuze, the UNHCR country representative to the EU.
An integrated, well-funded EU approach to forced displacement is not an act of philanthropy – it is an investment in Europe’s own future. With complex crises unfolding at its borders, Europe will need to come up with a bold and strategic response. As talks on the next EU budget begin, the choices made in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) will shape the Union’s ability to manage its borders humanely, safeguard its internal cohesion and be a partner of choice for third countries, writes our surprise guest Jean-Nicolas Beuze, the UNHCR country representative to the EU.
Jean-Nicolas Beuze is the UNHCR country representative to the EU, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Portugal, having previously served as country representative in Iraq, Yemen and Canada. He has over 27 years of experience working for the UN in the field and at the headquarters in the areas of human rights, peacekeeping and child protection.
Directed by Sofia Exarchou, this powerful drama is a Greek, Austrian, Romanian, Cypriot and Bulgarian co-production that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Animal has received international acclaim, including awards at prestigious festivals such as Locarno and Sarajevo, for its raw portrayal of contemporary social and economic realities.
Set in a Greek resort town during the off-season, Animal follows Kalia, a middle-aged woman working in the entertainment team of an all-inclusive hotel. As the season wears on, and tensions simmer beneath the surface, the film explores the complexities of labour, identity and human endurance in a world driven by spectacle and survival.
This screening is part of the EESC’s ongoing series, in partnership with the European Parliament’s LUX Audience Film Award, promoting cultural diversity and sparking dialogue on pressing social issues. (ps)
The Brussels 20 km race is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, uniting people of all ages and abilities. In its 45th edition, this event showcased the vibrant diversity of Brussels as thousands came together to challenge themselves and celebrate healthy living.
The Brussels 20 km race is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, uniting people of all ages and abilities. In its 45th edition, this event showcased the vibrant diversity of Brussels as thousands came together to challenge themselves and celebrate healthy living.
On 25 May 2025, a record-breaking 48 928 participants from 80 countries and of 140 nationalities took part in the race. Joggers, walkers and athletes with disabilities covered the 20-kilometre route through central Brussels, with a nearly equal gender split.
EESC Vice-President Laurențiu Plosceanu gave the starting signal to the crowd, which included Belgian Queen Mathilde. The EESC has maintained a strong presence at the race since 2018, with its vice-president representing the Committee each year.
Patrick Nimubona from Burundi won the men’s race, finishing in 59 minutes and 26 seconds. Britain’s Naomi Taschimowitz was the fastest woman, completing the course in 1 hour and 9 minutes.
The 46th edition of the Brussels 20 km race is scheduled for Sunday 31 May 2026. (ehp)
Held on Saturday 10 May 2025, the EU Open Day at the EESC was a celebration of 75 years of peace and cooperation in Europe, inspired by the visionary Schuman Declaration.
Held on Saturday 10 May 2025, the EU Open Day at the EESC was a celebration of 75 years of peace and cooperation in Europe, inspired by the visionary Schuman Declaration.
Thousands of visitors from around the world came to learn about the EESC’s role in shaping EU policy. Visitors had the opportunity to explore stands hosted by the EESC’s three groups, six sections and the CCMI. Volunteers and members engaged directly with guests, answering questions and explaining the Committee’s work. Speed voting sessions and a simulated plenary meeting, including interpretation and electronic voting, offered an immersive look at EU-level decision-making.
There were many other fun activities too! From digital quizzes and a wheel of fortune to live music, a caricaturist and a kids’ corner with hat-making and face painting, there was something for everyone. Our photo booth and EU-themed postcard station were also a hit.
The EU Open Day 2025 at the EESC was a true celebration of unity, bringing together people from around the world to mark this special milestone.
Click here to see photos from the EU Open Day 2025.
Click here to see the video from the EU Open Day 2025.
Discrimination is far from over for Europe’s LGBTIQ community. While there are significant variations across Member States, 37% of all LGBTIQ respondents to a recent EU-wide survey felt discriminated against due to their identity. Despite gradual progress on equality-related issues over the years, there is still much work to be done.
Discrimination is far from over for Europe’s LGBTIQ community. While there are significant variations across Member States, 37% of all LGBTIQ respondents to a recent EU-wide survey felt discriminated against due to their identity. Despite gradual progress on equality-related issues over the years, there is still much work to be done.
The EESC is at the forefront of such efforts. It has actively supported the European Commission’s LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, which aims to reduce discrimination and ensure the safety and fundamental rights of LGBTIQ individuals throughout the EU. Even before the strategy was issued, in 2012 the EESC called for the extension of the Equal Treatment and Employment Directive to protect transgender, non-binary, intersex and queer people against discrimination in the workplace and beyond.
The Committee adopted an opinion on the strategy in 2021, urging Member States to develop and execute national action plans. Furthermore, under the umbrella of the strategy, the Committee has adopted a series of related opinions in defence of LGBTIQ rights including:
No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred (2024) – in the opinion, the EESC recommends increased support for civil society organisations (CSOs), improved coordination to combat disinformation, and inclusion of hate speech and hate crime in the EU crime list. It also calls for a network of national law enforcement contact points and full implementation of the 2008 Framework Decision on racism and xenophobia.
Measures to fight stigma against HIV (2023) – The EESC proposes awareness campaigns, workplace equality for people with HIV and better access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It emphasises the role of community-led organisations in prevention and accountability.
Initiative to extend the list of EU crimes to all forms of hate crime and hate speech (2022) – The EESC advocates a unified EU legislative framework, consistent definitions across Member States and stronger roles for CSOs. It also highlights the need for law enforcement training, targeted public space actions and collaboration with social media platforms to combat online hate.
The full list of opinions related to the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 is available here.
The EESC has set up an Ad hoc Group on Equality (AHGE or Equality Group), which has been in place since 2020, tasked with promoting a cross-cutting culture of equality within the Committee, including all aspects of this principle. It also regularly organises hearings, conferences and forums to discuss and promote LGBTIQ rights. (lm)
On 12 May 2025 a group of Serbian students arrived in Brussels after completing an 18-day, 2 000-kilometre relay ultramarathon from Serbia to Belgium. Their journey, dubbed ‘From My Village to Brussels’ (#trkadobrisela), aimed to raise awareness about democratic backsliding and corruption in Serbia.
On 12 May 2025 a group of Serbian students arrived in Brussels after completing an 18-day, 2 000-kilometre relay ultramarathon from Serbia to Belgium. Their journey, dubbed ‘From My Village to Brussels’ (#trkadobrisela), aimed to raise awareness about democratic backsliding and corruption in Serbia. Their initiative has garnered international attention, highlighting the role of young people in campaigning for democratic reform.
On 13 May, the students were hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) by the Vice-President for Communication Laurenţiu Plosceanu. In his welcome speech, the Vice-President commended their dedication to democratic values and civic engagement. (at)
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held its 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum in Budva, Montenegro, gathering over 100 participantsto discuss how to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU to improve living standards across the region.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held its 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum in Budva, Montenegro, gathering over 100 participantsto discuss how to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU to improve living standards across the region.
Nik Gjeloshaj, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Economic Policy and Minister for Economic Development, said: ‘We are confident that we will be able to close two chapters at the intergovernmental conference during the Polish presidency in June, and that additional chapters will be ready for closure by the end of this year.’
Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), underlined: ‘This forum sends a strong signal – the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union, and civil society must be at the heart of that journey. The European Economic and Social Committee will continue to stand firmly beside our partners in the region, every step of the way.'
Amer Kapetanović, Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council, stressed: ‘Regional cooperation is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a need-to-do. The Common Regional Market is coming into focus, with the potential to accelerate convergence and unlock up to 10% GDP growth through practical reforms and solutions. More than 500 civil society organisations have been directly involved in shaping it, because meaningful change only happens when people are part of the process.’
Andi Dobrushi, Regional Director of the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, explained: ‘This Forum is about more than policy – it is about the people whose relentless work has carried the region forward through decades of transformation. At OSF-WB, we support a broad range of actors who bring both grassroots legitimacy and policy insights to the table.’
H.E. Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, said: ‘Together, we can ensure that this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Western Balkans is not missed.’ (at)
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a conference underscoring the importance of community engagement in the fight against disinformation. By fostering media literacy, encouraging critical thinking, promoting active communication and leveraging AI as an ally, societies can become resilient to false information and toxic propaganda.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a conference underscoring the importance of community engagement in the fight against disinformation. By fostering media literacy, encouraging critical thinking, promoting active communication and leveraging AI as an ally, societies can become resilient to false information and toxic propaganda.
The conference Citizens can defeat disinformation held in Lisbon on 22 May 2025 was the fourth in the EESC’s ongoing project to combat disinformation with the help of civil society. It was organised in cooperation with the Portuguese Economic and Social Council and with the support of the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Office in Lisbon.
Stressing the crucial role of citizens in this fight,EESC president Oliver Röpke said: ‘To counter disinformation, we must empower citizens and civil society, not only as watchdogs, but also as active participants in democratic resilience.’
As disinformation plays with emotions, it is important to pause and distance oneself before engaging. Participants noted that when something speaks to the audience’s heart, it is important to question the intention and source of the information. Only by not engaging can we reduce the visibility and virality of this content.
As reiterated by the president of the Portuguese Economic and Social Council, Luís Pais Antunes, not only are misinformation and a lack of information challenges for our modern societies, but so too is an excess of information.
The conference signalled the importance of joining forces, stressing that only by acting together, engaging civil society in a systematic way, putting forward action plans for media literacy and ensuring robust legislation can disinformation be defeated, giving way to trustful, fact-based information.
‘Media literacy needs to be taught in schools. This is where the state plays a key role. Democracy means credibility,’ said Aimilios Perdikaris, chair of the Board and General Manager at Athens Macedonian News Agency.
‘Democracy cannot survive without free information and without free, impartial and critical media,’ said Carlos Abreau Amorim, Portugal’s Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, adding that the Portuguese government would strengthen journalistic ethics, since ‘a lack of credibility in journalism is the greatest ally of disinformation.’
Referring to AI as a massive challenge in the fight against disinformation, Niko Efstathiou, journalist fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism in Oxford, said that AI can create convincing, deepfake news to spread campaigns to the most vulnerable populations. However, AI can also be incredibly useful in scanning through content, so as to detect misinformation in real time. (at)
EU Green Week 2025 wrapped up on 5 June following three days of focused debate, practical case studies and policy discussion that placed the circular economy at the core of Europe's environmental agenda. From biodiversity and climate resilience to construction and bioeconomy innovation, the sessions made it clear: circularity is not a side strategy — it is the direction Europe must take.
EU Green Week 2025 wrapped up on 5 June following three days of focused debate, practical case studies and policy discussion that placed the circular economy at the core of Europe's environmental agenda. From biodiversity and climate resilience to construction and bioeconomy innovation, the sessions made it clear: circularity is not a side strategy — it is the direction Europe must take.
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) — a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) – played a key role in shaping the week’s discussions, acting as both organiser and host of several sessions that brought together public authorities, civil society, business and research. One of the week’s central themes was how to translate circular principles into structural change, something ECESP continues to facilitate across sectors and regions.
Two of the leading voices behind this shift were EESC members Peter Schmidt and Cillian Lohan, long-standing drivers of the circular agenda within the EU institutions.
‘Circularity is a policy, anxiety is not,’ said Mr Schmidt, calling for stronger political will. ‘Circular businesses cannot compete with fossil-based industries on their own. If we are serious, we have to change the market rules.’
He pointed to the need for the EU to ban unsustainable products outright and make planetary boundaries the basis for economic decision-making, not profit margins. ‘This is about fairness too,’ Schmidt added. ‘The circular transition must bring people together — it cannot leave communities behind.’
Mr Lohan emphasised the need for system-level solutions. ‘We need structural reform, not more pressure on consumers,’ he said. ‘Real sustainability is only possible when it is built into the system, not when it depends on individual action.’
From vision to practice
At EU Green Week, participants explored how to advance circularity across key sectors. Sessions covered topics such as reducing primary resource extraction to ease pressure on ecosystems and help meet climate targets. It was stressed that circular thinking should be mainstreamed into climate and land-use policies.
Projects in the bioeconomy showed promising innovations — such as turning human waste into fertiliser — but they are often stalled by regulatory hurdles.
Across all discussions, one message stood out: the EU has the tools and ideas — what is needed now is coherence, investment and the courage to scale up.
ECESP calls for new leadership
Looking ahead, the ECESP is preparing for its next phase. During Green Week, the platform launched a call for applications to form its next coordination group, which will begin a two-and-a-half-year mandate in October 2025.
Applications can be submitted until 17:00 CEST on 30 June 2025. (ks)
