Dear Members of the Liaison Group,
Much has happened since I addressed you for the first time as EESC President and Co-chair of the Liaison Group in April. I am very happy to see that the implementation of important priorities of my manifesto has already started and is going full steam ahead.
My goal as EESC President is to empower those who protect and fight for our rights every day. The truth is that it is not just my goal, this is what people expect of our Committee. Following my meeting with France24, we were called the "watchdog of EU democracy". With less than one year to go to 2024 European elections, this is a time to stand up for democracy!
We will gradually involve young people into our work at the EESC and I am very proud that the EESC will be the first EU institution to implement the EU Youth Test. It is our testimony to the young EU citizens, that we can turn words into action and give them a voice that is heard, because they are the future of our democratic Europe!
The Committee and the Liaison Group have big responsibilities to meet - not only within the EU but also beyond.