Dear readers,

With the arrival of spring on the horizon, the EESC welcomes March with two fantastic events that reflect the very core of the Committee’s identity: civil society and young people.

From 2 to 5 March 2026, the third edition of Civil Society Week, entitled People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future, will focus on advancing diversity, civic engagement, equality and inclusion as key pathways to renewing Europe’s social and democratic promise for future generations.

An integral part of Civil Society Week is the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), a proven instrument enabling citizens to propose EU action. Now in its 14th year, the ECI event marks a significant milestone, as four initiatives have each surpassed one million signatures in recent months.

Moving on, from 19-20 March the EESC will welcome young people from all EU Member States, the candidate countries and the UK. With the popular acronym YEYS, the Committee’s landmark youth event Your Europe, Your Say! is designed to be more than just an event but rather a space for young people to connect, engage actively and shape democratic life across Europe.

Under the theme Meaningful Connections, Active Participation and Democratic Engagement, YEYS attracted strong interest from young people, especially from candidate countries and Ukraine, showing that their heart beats in the EU.

That is why Civil Society Week and YEYS matter. They provide timely platforms for organised civil society, citizens and young people from across Europe to make their voices heard on key issues – particularly at a moment when Europe faces profound societal, technological, economic and geopolitical challenges.

The overwhelming interest shown by young Ukrainians in our youth event clearly demonstrates that their aspirations and dreams are firmly rooted in the European family.

Their enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the difficult reality their country continues to endure.

As Ukraine enters its fourth winter of full-scale war, Russia continues to weaponise winter by targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable civilians and leaving people to freeze in their own homes.

Now more than ever, the Committee, together with all EU institutions and civil society organisations, must continue to provide tangible support and demonstrate solidarity in action. The EESC has stood firmly with Ukraine since the first day of the invasion, opening its doors to civil society and young people alike.

24 February marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which continues to claim thousands of lives.

On this occasion, we are dedicating this issue to Ukraine and giving the floor to Ukrainian civil society organisations and journalists – and to their European counterparts – who work tirelessly to support the Ukrainian population and to tell the truth about what is happening on the ground.

I invite you to read our newsletter and I urge you to support the Ukrainian people in any way you can. Now is not the time to look away.

I also warmly invite you to take part in the dialogue at our two upcoming events. In this House, your voice can be heard and turned into action. Join us and seize this opportunity to help shape change.

Together, let us safeguard the civic space, so priceless for our democracy and vital for our society, by engaging in open dialogue and remaining vigilant in the face of the current challenges

Marija Hanževački

EESC Vice-President for Communication