EESC President

Latest news

EESC President Séamus Boland’s Statement on the 2026 State of the Union Address

The State of the Union Address by Commission President von der Leyen gives a realistic picture of the challenges Europe faces, while pointing towards a future in which our Union can be stronger, more resilient and autonomous.
Statement by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for External Relations (REX)

As a steadfast supporter of the European Union's enlargement, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the formal opening of the first negotiation cluster (known as the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster) at the second Accession Conferences held respectively with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in Luxemburg on 15 June 2026.
The EESC puts civil society at the heart of Ireland's EU Council Presidency at Dublin Castle with Taoiseach and Minister Byrne

Priorities including housing, competitiveness, tech regulation, and better including citizens in democratic decision making among areas of joint work launched.
Europe Day statement

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.