#EU2027: Civil society must, more than ever, be at the heart of Europe’s choices for 2027

Statement by Cillian Lohan, President of the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group

The European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme comes at a defining moment for Europe. War, geopolitical instability, the cost-of-living crisis, climate change and rapid technological transformation are testing our Union and our societies. Through its 2027 Work Programme, the European Commission has set out its priorities for the year ahead, with a strong focus on Europe’s competitiveness and security, while also addressing its social model, democracy and fundamental values.

The Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes this ambition, but believes that Europe’s response must put people, communities and sustainability at its heart. This ambition must be fully in line with our Group’s priorities of empowering resilient communities, defending democracy, contributing to peace and a resilient civil society, and promoting a sustainable agenda.

We welcome the focus on strengthening Europe’s social model. The tenth anniversary of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in 2027, should be an opportunity not merely to restate its principles but to accelerate their implementation. The planned European Care Deal, Skills Guarantee and measures addressing the housing crisis can make a tangible difference to Europeans’ everyday lives. 

Europe must also stay firmly on course towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. We welcome the Commission’s commitment to maintaining the EU’s climate targets and addressing climate resilience, water resilience and nature. Environmental protection and economic competitiveness must reinforce one another. The green transition must remain fair, inclusive and grounded in the needs and realities of communities. It is also a driver of economic growth. 

Nevertheless, we call on the Commission to show greater ambition in advancing the sustainability agenda, particularly given that, by September 2027, the United Nations will have to decide on the future of the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond 2030. For the Civil Society Organisations’ Group, the SDGs provide a roadmap for the coming years, and we remain more committed than ever to their implementation.

Defending democracy and fundamental values must remain at the centre of the European project. At a time when democratic societies face unprecedented challenges, including disinformation, polarisation and a shrinking civic space, the Commission rightly recognises the need to defend democracy and the rule of law. Its 2027 programme includes specific initiatives to this end. However, we regret the withdrawal of the Directive on European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) and will continue to call for its resubmission, as it is essential to strengthening the European civic space. For the Group that I chair, it is clear that Europe must remain a beacon of democracy, with a vibrant civil society fully embedded in European governance.  We stand ready to take part in the future Congress of Europe, as we are sure that this will be more than just a celebration of the signing of the Treaty of Rome seventy years ago. 

The scale of the challenges facing Europe also requires an EU budget that matches our common ambitions. For our Group, the future 2028-2034 EU budget must deliver not only for European competitiveness and security, but also for democracy, civil society and social inclusion. Investment in resilient communities and organised civil society is an investment in Europe’s capacity to respond to crises and to build sustainable prosperity. While fully acknowledging the difficulties of adopting a modern and ambitious European budget, the Group reaffirms that the European institutions must provide the EU with an adequate and meaningful budget. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

Europe will be stronger when its citizens and civil society are not merely consulted but are genuine partners in shaping and implementing its policies. The Civil Society Organisations’ Group is ready to play its part, bringing the experience and knowledge of organised civil society from across the European Union to European decision-making. This is how we can build a Union that is more resilient, democratic, sustainable and closer to its citizens and communities.

Cillian Lohan
President, EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group