Dear Members of the Liaison Group,
As we step into the New Year, let's continue to work together towards our common goals with determination, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to defend our democratic values and make the voices of Civil Society heard!
The year 2024 will be a real test for the democracy. In total, 2 billion people around the globe will participate in elections this year. In Europe, we are gearing up for the largest democratic exercise of this continent, the European Parliament elections in June, but also national or presidential elections which will take place in over 50 countries worldwide, including the USA. Political constellations will shift, and new paths will be chartered.
Recent polling shows that the fight against poverty and social exclusion is the top priority for EU citizens, but inflation, job insecurity, and an overall lack of economic stability create a fertile ground for fear, feeding populist and extremist narratives.
The European Union has to step up its efforts for a Social Europe that shows solidarity and support to those citizens that need it most. At the informal EPSCO in Namur on 11 and 12 January, I spoke out vehemently in favour of a strong Social Agenda in the next mandate of the European Parliament and Commission. The European Pillar of Social Rights has to play a pivotal role to make the green and digital transition a fair and just transition for all. The EESC believes that the Just Transition should be a key priority of the next European Commission and that it should develop a binding European Directive on Just Transition. Our social model is an important part of the European competitiveness strategy. At a time where we discuss the future of our internal market, it is important to underline that its future depends on the intersection between a strong economy and a strong social Europe.
But not only social issues are high on the agenda in the EU: The recent World Employment and Social Outlook, published by the ILO, shows increasing inequalities worldwide and the need for immediate action as poly-crises worsen social justice. The ILO has therefore launched the Global Coalition for Social Justice, which aims to intensify collective efforts to address these social justice deficits. I am proud that the EESC opted to join this initiative. With this decision, we are taking an important step further in advancing social justice together, alongside our international partners.
Social Justice, democracy and elections will also be a top priority for the Liaison Group, and I am looking forward to many fruitful discussions with you and the many participants at the first Civil Society Week from 4th to 7th March.
Kind regards,