Dear readers,

It is with great pleasure that I address you as the newly elected president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). I would like to extend my warm wishes to all of you and express my gratitude for the invaluable work that civil society organisations do every day to make our societies better.

As Europe is navigating through the aftermath of the pandemic and grappling with the war of aggression in Ukraine, it is more important than ever to uphold our EU values: democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. My political manifesto underscores the significance of these principles and charts a path forward to a more resilient, more inclusive and more democratic EU that will inspire our neighbours near and far.

At the heart of my vision is the belief that civil society organisations are the bedrock of our democracies. You are the vital link between members of the public and decision-makers, channelling their concerns and aspirations into policies for a better future for Europe. The EESC is committed to facilitating dialogue and ensuring that your voices are heard at the highest levels of the European institutions.

Those voices will become so much more important with the European elections coming up in 2024. In this context, I want the EESC to take on a more active role ahead of the elections to engage with voters and increase their participation. The support of civil society organisations – your support – will be key.

Let's not forget that today's decisions are being made to build a strong and just future for the generations to come. I will strive to make the EESC a place where young people can freely express their concerns, ideas and opinions, and where their contributions are valued and acted upon.

As we face complex challenges on the international stage, I believe it is crucial to open the doors of the EESC to our neighbours in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans. The future of the European Union is deeply intertwined with the stability and prosperity of those regions, and we must recognise this. By acting as a true civil society gateway for these countries, I want the EESC to help and empower them to fight for freedom, democracy and closer integration.

I am committed to amplifying the voices of civil society during my term of office as EESC president. I encourage you to seize the opportunity and actively engage with the EESC and our initiatives. Together, we can bridge the gap between the public and institutions, ensuring that EU policies are rooted in the real needs and aspirations of the people.

Together, we can stand up for our democracy and speak up for Europeans.

Oliver Röpke
President of the European Economic and Social Committee