If the EU wants to survive, it has to communicate effectively, especially in the current context of thriving disinformation, the rapid rise of AI and an increase in authoritarian tendencies. To reach everyone, communication about the EU needs to go local.

Rebranding Europe, the new book by communication strategist and author Stavros Papagianneas, sets the scene for a critical discussion on the EU’s role on the global stage, which has Europe standing at a crossroads in the face of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is entering its third year, the war in the Middle East and a series of geopolitical and economic challenges.

The book presentation took place on 3 December at the Residence Palace in Brussels, attended by EESC Vice-President for Communication Laurenţiu Plosceanu, who took part in the debate on Europe’s positioning in a turbulent global arena and the EU’s need to communicate its values effectively.

‘The EU is at a defining moment. To secure its future, Europe needs to communicate a clear and compelling vision to its citizens and the world. It’s not about politics – it’s about trust, identity and shared purpose,’ said Mr Papagianneas.

The participants in the debate stressed that effective communication is not just an option but a necessity for the survival of the EU, especially in the contemporary era of disinformation, AI and growing authoritarianism. Europe has to lead the way in promoting democracy and human rights. The role of the media is essential in shaping Europe’s public sphere, as Colin Stevens, editor-in-chief of the EU Reporter and moderator of the discussion, acknowledged. ‘We, the media, have to explain again and again that Europe concerns everybody. And we have to do this every day of the week,’ he said.

Experts agree that it is very difficult to combat misinformation or ‘fake news’ at the root, in particular with the emergence of AI. The most effective counter-measure is to create resilience within the population.

Mr Plosceanu flagged that ‘it is time to listen more to people than talk to them. People want more involvement and participation.’ He stressed the importance of cooperating with the regional press and urged the EU institutions to develop partnerships with regional media and invite regional journalists to Brussels. He concluded that Europe needs to go local, to the grassroots level.

As the vast majority of Europeans first think local, then regional, then national, and only at the very end European, communication about Europe needs to adapt to this reality by recognising that the narratives to reach people need to be local, regional and national. (mt)

In 2025, we have a shared responsibility to build a stronger Europe

As we step into 2025, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union brings a sense of urgency and determination to tackling the complex challenges shaping Europe’s present and future. Under the overarching theme of security, Poland’s leadership promises to guide us through a year that will be pivotal for the EU’s resilience, cohesion, and progress.

The priorities outlined by the Polish Presidency reflect a comprehensive approach to security in its many dimensions. Internal security, with an emphasis on protecting borders and countering disinformation, highlights the need for vigilance against emerging threats. External security will focus on strengthening defence capabilities, fostering innovation, and accelerating enlargement efforts to ensure stability in our neighbourhood. Meanwhile, economic, energy, food, and health security will remain central to ensuring Europe’s independence and the well-being of its citizens.

At the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), we are ready to fully support the Presidency’s agenda, leveraging our unique role as the voice of civil society. The EESC will actively contribute to discussions on how to safeguard Europe’s competitiveness while ensuring that no one is left behind in the transitions we face – whether they be digital, green, or economic.

This year is also marked by political renewal, with a newly formed European Commission beginning its mandate. This provides a fresh opportunity to shape policy frameworks and implement initiatives that align with the expectations of European citizens. The EESC will play its part in supporting this new chapter, ensuring that civil society and social partner perspectives are at the heart of EU decision-making.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to build a stronger, more inclusive Europe. The EESC will continue to advocate for the rule of law, sustainable development, and social cohesion, ensuring that civil society’s contributions shape the priorities of the EU’s agenda. Together with the Polish Presidency, we will strive to address the pressing challenges of today while paving the way for a secure, competitive, and united Europe for generations to come.

Oliver Röpke

EESC President

Housing must be treated as a fundamental right, ensuring decent and sustainable accommodation for all Europeans, including young people and vulnerable groups.

This is the strong call put forward by the EESC’s Housing Forum, held for the first time at the December plenary session on 5 December 2024. The debate saw the participation of prominent speakers and the adoption of an opinion on the subject.

Following the appointment of Dan Jørgensen as Commissioner for energy and housing, the EESC President Oliver Röpke welcomed the historic decision to create a specific portfolio on housing within the new Commission. Mr Röpke said: ‘Housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and we cannot accept the exclusion of vulnerable populations from this essential need. As we confront a severe housing crisis affecting almost every Member State, I emphasise the urgent need to ensure that affordable, sustainable and decent housing becomes a reality for all.’

Calling for a new outlook that sees housing as vital infrastructure for society, on a par with health and education, Bent Madsen, President of Housing Europe, said: ‘We welcome the sentiment from the new housing Commissioner when he said that our approach should be based on values, rules and investment. We are ready as a public cooperative and as social housing providers to show the way to deliver the homes our people and our societies need.’

In the opinion Social housing in the EU – decent, sustainable and affordable, drafted by Thomas Kattnig and Rudolf Kolbe, the EESC recognises there has been a market failure in housing. This must be dealt with by improving framework conditions such as data, coordination, approval procedures and land use planning rules, establishing a fundamental right to housing, providing sufficient funding, implementing the ‘housing first’ approach for homeless people and focusing more on sustainability and the needs of young people. (mp)