EESC President

The European and Economic and Social Committee has always been a strong ally in elaborating and implementing the Social Pillar and safeguarding sustainable competitiveness. A regular and meaningful dialogue with civil society can only strengthen the EESC´s commitment to a strong European Social model. 

Following the meeting of the Sustainable Economic and Social Development Council of Brazil (CDESS) and the European Economic and Social Committee, held in Brasília, 9-10 April 2024, the President of the EESC, Oliver Röpke and Minister Alexandre Padilha, representing the CDESS, decided to work towards the establishment of a new EU-Brazil Civil Society Round Table.

The people and the planet cannot afford a lost decade. This is not the time to backtrack on the 2030 agenda. It is time to accelerate action and take everyone along on this journey. The world needs to move in the right direction. It is not a task to be left to future generations, nor a job to be left to incoming governments. It is our task for now.

The EU has made big advancements towards gender equality, but there is still a long way to go.On this International Women's day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women, and we reflect on how organised civil society can drive change both at EU and international levels.

As of today, 15 February 2024, candidate countries can send delegates to the EESC. This will be the first official forum where candidate countries will have a voice. It is an excellent example of gradual integration, which the EESC is championing.

"I am proud to say that the European Economic and Social Committee has been leading the way when it comes to the promotion of the social economy. It is also a topic that features strongly in my own political manifesto."

Today is an important day for candidate countries, and for the European Union. We welcome the recommendation of the Commission to open accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova. We also welcome recommendations to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and to grant candidate status to Georgia, upon them meeting certain necessary conditions. The EESC will foster this process by extending the scope of our bilateral civil society bodies, and from next year onwards integrate civil society representatives from EU candidate countries in the daily work of our Committee and perform civil society health check on the ground.

The relationship between European integration, the defence of EU founding values, and the role played by civil society is inseparable. For this reason, I have decided to place the defence of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law at the heart of my mandate.