EESC President

In a compelling address at the opening of the fifth annual Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) conference, EESC President Oliver Röpke underscored the critical need for civil society involvement in preserving democratic values across Europe. Held in Brussels, this year’s conference took place against the backdrop of international electoral developments and regional tensions, providing an important platform for discussions on Europe's democratic resilience.

President Röpke emphasized the shared challenges faced by Europe and the United States, particularly in light of the U.S. election results announced the same morning. "As European civil society, we stand in solidarity with our counterparts in the U.S. to defend mutual core values, including human rights and democratic integrity," Röpke declared. He called for a proactive approach in Europe to reinforce democratic systems, counter disinformation, and bolster rule of law frameworks across the continent.

Röpke’s address also highlighted the EESC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening EU democratic infrastructure through the FRRL Group’s country visits, which assess rule of law practices across all EU member states and candidate countries. He underscored the EESC’s unique position in amplifying civil society’s voice, asserting that a robust civil society is essential for a sustainable democracy.

Throughout the conference, representatives from EU institutions, social partners, and civil society organizations deliberated on recent rule of law developments. The event included presentations on fundamental rights issues, including media freedom, non-discrimination, and the rights of social partners. The discussions aimed to inform a comprehensive EU response to the diverse rule of law challenges identified in the EESC's latest reports.

On the margins of the conference, President Röpke engaged with key stakeholders, including FRRL Group members and civil society leaders, reaffirming the EESC's commitment to collaborative efforts to uphold democratic principles. He concluded by reiterating the need for a strengthened civil society role in Europe’s future, calling for joint efforts to safeguard the foundations of our democratic society.