2023 Open Day: Join us, together we are stronger!

65 years of integration and no intention to slow down

On Saturday 6 May 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is at last opening its doors to the public, raising its profile even more.

The entire EU family will take stock of 65 years of integration, discussing the current challenges and the many that lie ahead: the need for a safe, green and affordable energy supply, environmental protection and not to mention Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which unfortunately still dominates the EU agenda.

Traditionally, Europe Day is a great opportunity to stop, reflect and think about how many things we take for granted in our Union, which unfortunately is not the case everywhere. In Europe, we have built a European Union around a common project based on unity, diversity and each other's strengths, and we have made war between Member States unthinkable. Our Union has come a long way!

In my capacity as the EESC's newly elected vice-president for communication, I attach great importance to this initiative. I believe the EESC Open Day offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the Committee and how it makes a difference in the EU decision-making process.

The EESC is the only EU institution representing organised civil society, including employers, workers and other interest groups such as youth organisations, environmentalists, consumers, farmers, women's groups and many more. We are a key part of the system of checks and balances which makes sure that democracy in Europe works soundly.

At the EESC Open Day, people can find out more about the EESC's advisory role for the other EU institutions, about what the EESC can do for us and what a day in an EU institution looks like. We can also discuss issues of interest and concern with EESC members.

This year, against the backdrop of the European Year of Skills, a special focus will be placed on the importance of lifelong learning. Skills are centre-stage, with the aim of helping people acquire the right skills for quality jobs as well as companies, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, tackle skills shortages in the EU.

So, for the latest information, don't forget to check the dedicated #EuropeDay website of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). But for those who are in Brussels, there are no excuses: the meeting point is the Jacques Delors building at Rue Belliard, 99 on Saturday 6 May 2023 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.!

Be our guests and come along to meet our members and staff. Together, we are stronger!

Aurel Laurenţiu Plosceanu
Vice-president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in charge of communication