EESC President

On Europe Day, we celebrate not simply a political union or an economic project, but a democratic vision founded on peace, participation and solidarity among peoples.

At the heart of that vision lies an essential principle: democracy is not sustained by institutions alone. It survives because people believe they still have a voice.

Today, across Europe and beyond, that principle is under growing pressure.

I welcome the decision by European Union Ambassadors to establish a Council Working Party tasked with drafting the Accession Treaty with Montenegro and congratulate Montenegro for this important milestone. This represents both a recognition of progress and an incentive to accelerate reforms. 

The developments in Iran and the Middle East region are of great concern. 

I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to protect civilians. 

Above all, I am deeply distressed by the loss of civilian lives in all the territories affected. 

I welcome the Intergenerational Fairness Strategy adopted yesterday and its recognition of intergenerational fairness as a strategic choice for the EU.

The adoption of the new Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 by the European Commission (EC) is a timely, decisive and very welcome step forward for the entire European Union (EU). It affirms the urgency of gender equality as a fundamental human right and as a core pillar of our democratic, social and economic model.

The European Commission’s proposal for an Industrial Accelerator Act marks an important step in strengthening Europe’s industrial base at a time of profound economic and geopolitical pressure.

Statement by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for External Relations (REX)

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) stands in solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally condemn the violent repression of Iranian women, men and children in their legitimate struggle for freedom and democracy