This year's celebrations of Europe Day on 9 May were different. Unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine brutally reminded us of the reason why the EU was created and the importance of peace and solidarity. This year more than ever, we celebrate our unity and the achievements of the EU. We should also continuously show our solidarity with Ukraine.

On 9 May, we also witnessed the closing event of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE). Its initial scope had been widened to meet a new challenge: addressing the social and economic consequences of war in Ukraine in an already demanding post-pandemic environment.

After nearly a year, I can say that the experiment of the Conference turned out to be rather successful. Overall, the process was transparent and the outcome is fairly positive. But the work is far from being over. Now, we have to respond to citizens' demands and expectations.

As a first step, a dashboard should be created that allows citizens to check what actions have been taken in response to each recommendation. This tool would ensure a structured and transparent follow-up. In fact, transparency as well as fair representation are key factors in a participative democracy.

Another possible outcome could be the creation of a permanent exchange with citizens based on the lessons learned from the CoFoE, with the EESC as the institutional intermediary.  

In the context of the Conference, I would like to once again emphasise the importance of involving organised civil society in shaping policy. The Committee will continue to work closely with all the EU institutions towards common goals designed to make our societies stronger.

We will ensure that the contribution of organised civil society is at the heart of enhanced participatory democracy. Involving all of us, by default, must be the basis for a European Union that is a great place to be and to prosper.

Christa Schweng
EESC President