Liaison Group Newsletter February 2026

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Dear members of the Liaison Group, dear colleagues and friends,

Next Tuesday marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From the very first day, the European Economic and Social Committee has stood firmly with Ukraine. Our commitment has never wavered. For us, as organised civil society, it is something personal. It is about people. About families. About communities forced to rebuild their lives in the middle of war.

One of the key debates that just took place at our plenary this week was specifically on the effects of war on children and young people. The testimony of one student and one teacher from Ukraine, together with the address of First Lady Olena Zelenska resonated with us and reminded us that this war isn't a "policy item" in the EU agenda. It is the story of volunteers delivering food, of teachers keeping schools running online, of parents protecting their children. European civil society has changed over these four years. The first shock has evolved into solidarity and action. This anniversary also pushes us to ask a fundamental question: what is the European Union if not a shield for people?

We built a Union that replaced conflict with cooperation and created a strong internal market. Today, as the international order is challenged and global tensions rise, Europe is entering a new phase. We must think and act as a power able to protect its citizens and its values.

This means defending our social market economy, our democracies and our way of life with greater confidence and pride. Security and competitiveness are now central topics in Brussels. But we must be clear: competitiveness cannot be reduced to statistics or corporate performance. It is about whether people can find quality jobs, afford housing, pay their energy bills and trust that opportunities are open to women and men alike. 

In my recent discussions with European leaders, I have insisted on one key point: there is no lasting competitiveness without strong social foundations. A society that leaves people behind weakens itself. A society that invests in fairness and inclusion strengthens its ability to face external pressure.

We also need to explain this better. Too often, European debates sound distant from everyday life. If we want people on board, we must speak clearly and connect big strategies to kitchen-table realities. People must understand not only what we are defending, but why it matters to them. This is why, as we look ahead, I am particularly encouraged by the upcoming Civil Society Week from 2 to 5 March. This will be an opportunity to come together, exchange ideas and show the strength and diversity of organised civil society across Europe. I look forward to lively debates and concrete proposals. 

Because, at the end of the day, there is no democracy without a vibrant civil society. In these challenging times, our engagement is not just valuable — it is essential.

Seamus BOLAND
EESC President