Strengthening European values in candidate countries by supporting the public service sector and empowering social partners and civil society organisations

Background

The accession process is guided by the Copenhagen criteria and grounded in the acquis communautaire, requiring candidate countries to have legal frameworks and stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities.

In the opinion, the EESC invites EU institutions to adopt a strategic and inclusive approach to future enlargements, emphasising the importance of a free and autonomous civil society to protect democracy and counter populism.

Key points

In the opinion the EESC:

• highlights the essential role of social partners and civil society in supporting candidate countries’ adherence to universal values;
• recommends that:
  • social partners from candidate countries are involved in both cross-sectoral and sectoral EU-level social dialogue structures;
  • EU funding is strategically targeted to strengthen civil society organisations and social partners;
  • partnerships and peer learning with civil society and the public service sector from Member States are promoted;
  • restrictions on civic space and independent media are more prominently reflected in the enlargement strategy and country reports;
• highlights the Joint Consultative Committees as effective platforms for mutual learning and dialogue during EU accession negotiations;
• stresses that transparent, professional and accountable public services build trust in institutions;
• emphasises investing in education and teacher training to foster democratic values and civic participation;
• recommends institutionalised cooperation between public authorities and civil society in accession preparations and that EU bodies and institutions involve candidate countries in their work, following the good practice initiated by the EESC.

Additional Information

EESC section: External Relations (REX)

Opinion number: REX/-605 EESC-2025

Opinion type: Exploratory opinion requested by the Danish Presidency

Rapporteur: Kristina AALTONEN, Workers - GR II/Denmark

Date of adoption by the section: 9 September 2025

Date of adoption in plenary: 21-23 October 2025

Result of the vote in plenary: 211 in favour/ 0 against/ 3 abstentions

Contact

Millie Tsoumani
Press Officer, Email: amalia.tsoumani@eesc.europa.eu

Charlotte Rive
Policy Officer, Email: Charlotte.Rive@eesc.europa.eu