Newsletter Liaison Group

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Liaison Group with European civil society organizations and networks May 2024

1. Editorial

2. News from the CSO Members of the Liaison Group

3. Past events

4. European Elections

5. News from the EESC

6. Past events

7. EESC Plenary Session

8. Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

9. Link to our members' newsletters

Editorial

Dear Members of the Liaison Group,

It has been an intense year since my nomination as EESC president in April 2023, with many important initiatives undertaken by the EESC: from gradually integrating EU candidate countries into our work to empowering youth and advocating for gender equality.

Of the 34 actions outlined in my manifesto, we have already accomplished the majority. I am committed to strengthening the EESC's role as a unique gateway connecting citizens, civil society and EU institutions. We are just getting started!

2024 is a great test for democracy, in what has been labelled a 'super-election' year with more than 60 countries voting to choose their parliament or president.

With less than two weeks until the 2024 European Elections, we must remember the importance of democracy in order to protect our fundamental values. Recently, we at the EESC supported the 'Call to defend Democracy: 10 priorities for the EU' launched by 5 major democracy organisations. Together with over 300 partners, I urge the next European Union leadership to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values through widening powers to uphold the rule of law within EU borders, ensure that new digital technologies safeguard human rights, and place democracy at the heart of the EU’s security, migration, energy and trade agendas.

Moreover, the EESC has decided to prioritise the fight against hatred and discrimination. With the recent attacks on the German MEP Matthias Ecke and the Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, among others, this topic has become paramount. We have worked on an opinion recognising the importance and urgency of addressing all forms of hate, which fundamentally contradicts the principles of the EU. For the first time, we have collaborated with the European Commission on the European Citizens Panel on this topic; and the rapporteurs have also asked the Liaison Group to contribute to this opinion. When it comes to tackling hatred, we all must work together: European institutions, Member States, civil society and citizens.

We call for serious efforts made by the EU and Member States to combat hate and prosecute hate-based crimes, and to encourage the public to report criminal cases to law enforcement. These matters were discussed in further detail during our May plenary session, as our efforts have only just begun.

Once again, I am very grateful to all the Liaison members. Our collective cooperation allows us to prioritise and uphold our fundamental values. And while there is much work ahead, I am hopeful that, together, we can amplify the voice of civil society.

Best regards,

Oliver Röpke

President of the EESC

Co-chair of the Liaison Group

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

AGE: Ageism and sexism in old age: OWN EU calls for abstracts, deadline 14 June 2024

With a view to an online conference in October on experiences of sexism and ageism faced by older women and the need for a change of narrative, AGE member organisation the Older Women’s Network (OWN) Europe has put out a call for abstracts for oral presentations, to be submitted by 14 June. For more information, see the OWN Europe website.

LLLP: Last chance to register for the LLLP Days 2024, 17-19 June 2024

The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) will celebrate the first edition of LLLP Days from 17 to 19 June in Brussels with three events: the Lifelong Learning Lab, the Inclusion Box (iBOX) training for CSOs, and the LLLP General Assembly. Over these three days, education and training stakeholders will take stock of the EU elections, discuss the latest policy developments, work together and learn from each other about inclusion, participation and equity within education systems and civil society organisations, and make strategic decisions for the future of the LLLP. Save your spot here!

Eurochild: My Dad’s Journey: a heartfelt tale of fatherhood in animation

Eurochild and ISSA have released ‘My Dad’s Journey’ - an animated short film on the benefits of fathers’ engagement in childcare. From birth, children have the right to be nurtured, protected and supported by their parents. In this intimate and heartfelt story, we see how fathers, like mothers, are equally valuable in parenting, and have the right to be there for their children from the very beginning. Watch the video here.

COFACE: An assessment, a call for action and a song

On the 2024 International Day of Families, COFACE Families published its "State of the European Union for families" assessment of the last 5-year mandate of the Von der Leyen Commission and how it contributed to achieving eight specific outcomes for families. COFACE is also happy to present its "#ActNow for Families of Today" call to action, which comprises 10 specific actions that COFACE believe should be integrated into the EU's 2024-2029 programme. Also available in Easy-to-read version here. Last but not least, a COFACE song has been developed with the aim of promoting our message in a creative and engaging way.

ESU position on the European degree (label)

The future of universities: read about the ESU’s positions on the European Commission’s incoming higher education package. We have published opinions on the European degree (label), on sustainable and attractive careers and on the Council recommendation on quality assurance and recognition.

SOLIDAR: Global just transition: not just for (E)U

Environmental challenges know no borders, and neither should the solutions to address them! If not done with a spirit of cooperation, the burden of greening the EU economy will fall on the shoulders of the Global South countries. This is why SOLIDAR is uniting voices from across the globe, calling on the EU to develop a common agenda for a global just transition that goes beyond its borders. Read more on our website.

IUT: energy performance of buildings and EP report

On 12 April 2024, the Council of the EU formally adopted a revised Directive on the energy performance of buildings. ‘After three years of controversial debates and a lot of work for the International Union of Tenants (IUT), for the first time, social safeguards for tenants are part of the EPBD,’ said Barbara Steenbergen, head of the IUT-EU Liaison Office. Meanwhile, on 29 February 2024, the European Parliament approved its report on Data collection and sharing relating to short term accommodation rental services, with 493 votes in favour, 14 against and 33 abstentions. Read more here.

European Elections

EMI: Reshaping the meaning of democracy to counter the rise of populism and authoritarianism

The European Movement International’s campaign for the 2024 elections seeks to underscore that our fundamental rights and liberties hinge upon the preservation of authentic democratic principles. It is vital to clarify the concept of ‘democracy’ for a demographic often overlooked in political discourse – first-time voters and young people. This effort is backed by EMI’s track record of success in shaping public opinion and policy, leveraging strategic communication and community engagement to promote democracy across Europe. Read more here.

ECAS First Aid Democracy Toolkit

Ina week's time, Europeans will have the opportunity to participate in one of the world’s largest democratic events: voting in the European elections. In preparation for this, ECAS has compiled a First Aid Democracy Toolkit, containing a range of resources for citizens and civil society organisations. The toolkit provides strategies for boosting voter turnout, tackling disinformation, mobilising undecided voters, and more, all aimed at helping to maintain a healthy democracy. Explore the ECAS First Aid Democracy Toolkit here.

AGE: Four days that will shape the next five years

With a week to go to the European elections, the EU institutions are bracing themselves for the next institutional cycle and setting their priorities. But the main thing that will shape the EU’s future is the mobilisation of its citizens and the choices they make. We call on all citizens to make an informed choice and vote! Read more here.

CEV: Vote Volunteer Vision – Pledges

Michaela Šojdrová (EPP), Nicolae Ștefănuță (Greens/EFA) and Piotr Sadowski (S&D) are the first three candidate MEPs that have signed up to the Vote Volunteer Vision campaign. Part of Volunteering Equality Rights Action (VERA) 2024, the campaign was launched by CEV to encourage candidate MEPs to put volunteering on their EP agendas for the 2024-2029 mandate. More here.

SOLIDAR is ready for the European elections of 6-9 June!

Since last year, SOLIDAR and its members have worked to influence the manifestos of political parties to ensure a strong social dimension. In particular, we have been calling for candidates to endorse global citizenship education and a green transition that is fair, just and inclusive, and takes into account the Global South. As we know, the EU elections are crucial. Among all our advocacy efforts we are also calling on EU citizens everywhere to #GoVote for people and the planet! Read more about our campaign on the SOLIDAR website.

Eurochild: EU elections: rising conservatism and child rights concerns

In this 3rd episode of the Eurochild podcast, we analysed the manifestos of EU political parties to see how these will affect the lives of children and young people. Far-right parties are expected to hold 1/4 of the seats in the Parliament. What is the impact of this conservative shift on human rights, the environment, EU funds, initiatives and social rights? Read more here.

ACE: Time to act: for high-quality architecture and living environments for all

Ahead of the forthcoming European elections, the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) launched its manifesto, calling on MEPs to act for high-quality architecture and living environments for all. In order to achieve this mission and create a shared culture of architecture, the ACE advocates advancements in education and ensuring up-skilling for professionals; establishing an SME-friendly regulatory framework and supporting innovation in the sector; and favouring architectural and planning solutions in the built environment. Read more here.

GCE: Join the post-election conference on ‘Beyond the Ballot: Unpacking the EU Elections for Intergenerational and Climate Justice’, 14 June 2024

Five days after the European Parliament elections, Generation Climate Europe is bringing together civil society, EU institutions, national representatives and youth organisations to discuss how the outcomes of the EU elections will shape intergenerational and climate justice in the Europe of tomorrow. The High-level Panel and the Youth Roundtable will address the most pressing questions and provide a platform for youth organisation representatives to explore the outcomes of the elections from the perspective of young people. Also don’t miss out on the evening networking event to share your thoughts in a more informal setting! Register here.

Past events

European Youth Forum: Rising stars debate: young politicians in conversation, online, 29 May 2024

This wasn’t your average debate. It was a platform for youth leaders to share their visions for Europe’s future. They explored topics like climate change, education and equality, and asked for the public's input on solutions. People could join online to hear and interact directly with tomorrow’s decisionmakers as they shared their visionary perspectives on shaping our future. Read more here.

EASPD: Guaranteeing Choice and Control: Transforming Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability Support, Bratislava/Slovakia, 20-21 May 2024

The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) organised this international conference. The conference addressed the critical issues which stem from a mental health system that is rooted in a medicalised paradigm and explored how we can move towards the provision of person-centred, community and recovery-based mental health services rooted in human rights principles. Read more here.

ALDA General Assembly 2024: Local Democracy for Global Impact, 13 May 2024

ALDA’s annual General Assembly convened in the lively city of Barcelona, Spain, on 13 May, marking a significant milestone for the association. Taking place in the picturesque El Born Cultural Center, this gathering held profound importance, serving as a platform for engaging discussions and crucial decisions. The event was not only an opportunity for members, partners and friends to gather and exchange ideas, but also a moment of transition, as a new leadership was elected. While the association’s network engaged in insightful conversations with keynote speakers, they also participated in the democratic process of electing the new ALDA Governing Board and ALDA’s president. Read more here.

EASPD/SSE: Final Conference of the Social Services Helpdesk Project, bringing together 100 participants at the EESC, 16 April 2024

On 16 April, the partners of the Social Services Helpdesk Project hosted around 100 participants from across Europe in Brussels to share and discuss the project’s main insights, outcomes and deliverables which will help to unlock EU funds for social service providers and improve cooperation with managing authorities and intermediary bodies. The project, co-funded by the European Commission, produced a Facilitation Toolkit for Social Services Projects, e-Training for Social Services, Policy and Technical Guidance for managing authorities, intermediary bodies, the European Commission and social service providers, and a Booklet of Inspiring Practices on the access to and the use of EU funds for social services. The event took place in close cooperation with the EESC, and was hosted by Krzysztof Balon, vice-president of the Diversity Europe Group (EESC Group III) and co-organised by EASPD and SSE.

News from the EESC

Online public hearing: Imbalances in social protection in general and specifically for the "new forms of work" and "atypical workers", 6 June 2024

European social protection systems exhibit imbalances, especially for workers in non-standard and new forms of employment. Despite EU initiatives rolled out from the European Pillar of Social Rights, gaps persist, calling for legal and policy improvements. This hearing will invite relevant stakeholders to discuss these imbalances and recommend ways to achieve fairer social protection systems and bridge pension gaps across all types of employment. Read more here.

Joint Seminar with CCE and CNT on 'Transitions towards a digital, green, just and competitive Europe: the role of social and civil dialogue', Brussels, 20 June 2024

A few days after the European Parliament elections, in a new political and institutional environment, the EESC is organising, in cooperation with the Central Council of the Economy (CCE) and the National Labour Council (CNT) of Belgium, a joint Seminar on: 'Transitions towards a digital, green, just and competitive Europe: the role of social and civil dialogue.' The seminar will be open to the public and will take stock of the obstacles to a transition towards a competitive, just and low-carbon economy. It will also give voice to a variety of actors of social and civil dialogue in the EU, representatives of EU and national institutions, academia and research institutes to assess how they could - in a joint effort - support the implementation of public policies, and particularly the twin transition, through the establishment of genuine social and civil dialogue. Read more here.

Conference on Affordable Energy: Turning civil society views into action, Brussels, 26 June 2024

This is the fourth edition of the EESC's conference on energy poverty, and the follow-up event to its 2021, 2022 and 2023 conferences on Energy poverty at the crossroads of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal, Tackling energy poverty at the heart of the ecological and energy transition and Tackling energy poverty for a just transition. The conference on Affordable Energy: Turning civil society views into action will bring together participants from the EU institutions, local actors and civil society organisations from all 27 EU countries. Read more here.

Hearing: Violence against women as a human rights issue, Brussels, 15 July 2024

The hearing will gather stakeholders from civil society and institutions to look into the various forms of violence against women and girls that are not covered by 2024 Directive on gender violence. The objective will be to provide a perspective that truly contemplates a common comprehensive policy against gender-based violence, offering a comprehensive and effective strategy against this violation of human rights within the framework of the Union. Reflections will feed into an Own-Initiative Opinion by the EESC FRRL Group. Read more here.

Past EESC events

Hybrid public hearing: Mental Health Community Services, 28 May 2024

The objective of this hearing was to hear from policy makers, civil society organisations and social partners, about the importance of affordable community-based services and of a human rights approach to mental health care. The outcomes of the hearing will feed into the EESC's opinion "Mental Health Community Services". Read more here.

Orientation debate on Biodiversity & Climate: advancing on a sustainable financial architecture, Brussels, 21 May 2024

Recognising sustainable finance as a critical element in the pursuit of sustainability, this event aimed to explore the intersectionality between biodiversity conservation and climate finance, shedding light on their interdependencies, challenges, and opportunities and providing input to the EESC own-initiative opinions (A comprehensive strategy for biodiversity at COP16 and Climate finance). Read more here.

Public hearing: The EESC's EU Youth Test and its implementation in opinions, Brussels, 17 May 2024

The EU Youth Test was created by organisations of the civil society who considered that there was a pressing need for the inclusion of young people in policy making. The ECO Section decided to involve youth in one of its opinions. In the future, our section and the EESC wish to continue consulting youth representatives of organised civil society in several areas of economic policy. With this public hearing, we aimed at taking stock of the implementation of the EU Youth Test so far, and discuss on the importance of integrating youth people's view in decision making and the economic policy areas in which they have the greatest interest. To do this, we were delighted to bring together at this event EESC members, the European Youth Forum and the youth representatives that have already contributed to our work. Read more here.

Workshop: Exploring AI and knowledge valorisation - Workshop on Innovation and KEP 2.0 seminar, Brussels, 14 May 2024

As early discussions begin to determine the priorities of the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, this year is pivotal for shaping Europe´s R&I landscape amid global challenges. This dynamic event was to pave the way for reflections on post-2027 policies. The focus was on EU´s position in the global talent race for AI expertise and EU´s comparative edge when comes to research and innovation in AI as well as on knowledge valorisation from a regional perspective. What are the lessons learnt from the New European Innovation Agenda and Horizon Europe? And what are the next steps ahead of Europe in this regard? Read more here.

Public hearing: How can taxation systems better support the social economy?, 7 May 2024

Taxation policy is a key element in promoting a vibrant, robust social economy in Europe. Well-placed tax incentives can encourage the creation of new social economy entities and bolster up existing ones, by ensuring that social economy entities can afford to operate alongside mainstream businesses. However, designing tax frameworks that are fit for purpose to promote the social economy is a challenging endeavour. In order to feed into the policy debate on the adequate taxation of social economy entities and to bring together the views of stakeholders and experts, the EESC organised this public hearing. Read more here.

Public hearing: The sustainability of the EU agri-food sector with future enlargement, 29 April 2024

This public hearing aimed to exchange views with civil society representatives from candidate countries and EU's stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges for the EU-agri-food sector with EU enlargement and to identify the contributions of the accession countries to the EU's social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The event aimed to provide recommendations to ensure that future enlargement of the EU will benefit both farmers in candidate countries and in the EU, while effectively contributing to the achievement of the EU's sustainability objectives and Agenda 2030. Read more here.

EESC Plenary Session, 30-31 May 2024

The plenary session in May took place in in-person form.

The following debates took place:

Debate about Youth voices for EU choices, with Bora Muzhaqi, Minister for Youth and Children of Albania, Biliana Sirakova, EU Youth Coordinator, European Commission (tbc), Elias Dray, Vice-President of the European Youth Forum, Katrīna Leitāne, President of the EESC Youth Group and youth representatives who participated in the EESC Youth Test pilot project
Debate about EU Defence strategy, linked to the adoption of the opinion CCMI/222 on the European defence industrial strategy, with Anne Fort, Head of Unit for Defence Industrial Policy, European Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS),Tania Latici, Political Officer – Peace, Security and Defence, European External Action Service; Associate fellow at the Egmont Institute and Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and Pietro De Lotto, President of the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change
Debate about The Future of Cohesion Policy, linked to the Ninth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion and to the adoption of opinions ECO/639 on the Role of cohesion policy in upcoming rounds of EU enlargement and ECO/646 on the Ninth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion, with Vasco Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions, Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, and Prof. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Chair of the Group of High-Level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy
Debate about No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred, with Dubravka Šuica, European Commission's Vice-President for Democracy and Demography (video message), Marie-Colline Leroy, Belgian State Secretary for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Emmanuel Achiri, representative from the European Network Against Racism, Katrin Hugendubel, Head of EU affairs, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA Europe) and Janelle Rizzo, representative of the European Citizens Panel, linked to the adoption of the opinion SOC/792 on No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred
Debate about Lessons learned from the 2004 EU enlargement for Tomorrow’s Europe, with László Andor, Secretary General of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Jarosław Pietras, former Polish Secretary of State in charge of EU accession, Dr. Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit, Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Štefan Füle, Former European Commissioner for Enlargement and Chairman of the European Policy Center (EPC) Task Force on EU enlargement (remotely)

Amongst others the following resolution and opinions were adopted:

No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred (SOC/792)
European Works Council (SOC/791)
Vaccine preventable cancers (SOC/793)
Industrial and technological approaches and best practices supporting a water resilient society (CCMI/224)
Industrial carbon management (CCMI/225)
Revision of the animal welfare legislation (NAT/918)
EU climate target for 2040 (NAT/931)
Security of medical radioisotopes supply (TEN/833)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

New ECI registered

A brand new European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘Save the Planet by shifting taxation from labour to greenhouse gas emissions’ calls on the Commission to strengthen the Fit for 55 Package and the EU carbon pricing system (ETS), as well as for the redistribution of a substantial portion of carbon pricing revenues to low-income households, strengthening the EU’s Social Climate Fund and promoting the establishment of a ‘Climate Club’. Following its registration on 13 May, the organisers now have six months to open the collection of signatures.

Image © mstanley/shutterstock.com

Initiative updates: collection of signatures open

With the ECI on ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ opening for collection of signatures on 26 April and the one on the ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union' on 17 May, you can currently support a total of 9 citizens’ initiatives. Check them all out on the Commission’s official ECI website.

Image © graficriver_icons_logo/shutterstock.com

Follow-up actions on successful initiatives

As part of a follow-up to the ECI on ‘Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics’, the Commission is working on the roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments. The ECI organisers were invited to a workshop as part of the process. At the same time, the follow-up to the ‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ citizens’ initiative continues with a public consultation on sharks and marine ecosystems, which runs until 4 June 2024.

Image © Orange Vectors/shutterstock.com

Signing citizens’ initiatives with eIDs

The new Digital Identity Regulation, expected to enter into force in the coming weeks, introduces the EU Digital Identity Wallet. It will allow citizens to identify and authenticate themselves online in order to use a range of public and private services, create free digital signatures, and store and share digital documents. Using the wallet will always remain voluntary.

European Commission: The Digital Identity Wallet is now on its way - EU Digital Identity Wallet - (europa.eu)

ECI Facebook group - Share your feedback

Take part in a short survey about the ECI Facebook Group and give feedback to help improve it! It only takes a few minutes and your input will be confidential.

Energy Efficiency Debate

What can we do to reduce energy bills? How can we make our homes more efficient? What smarter energy choices could we make to protect our planet? Share your views and engage with other citizens here.

Citizens' Engagement Platform: Tackling hatred in society

What can we do about hate and how can we enhance mutual respect in our societies? Do you have suggestions for the European Commission’s future work on combating hate speech and hate crime? Share your views and get involved here.