Newsletter Liaison Group - September 2024

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Liaison Group with European civil society organisations and networks September 2024

1. Editorial

2. News from the CSO Members of the Liaison Group

3. Past events

4. News from the EESC

5. Past events

6. EESC Plenary Session

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

8. Citizens' Engagement Platform

9. Link to our members' newsletters

Editorial

Dear Members of the Liaison Group,

I am writing to you only a few days after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her designated College of Commissioners. We also recently held our first plenary session after the summer break during which we adopted our resolution for the next EU mandate. I am grateful that you have been part of this process since the beginning through your valuable work at the first EU Civil Society Week in March. This resolution underscores the key elements which we demand from the next European Commission for a thriving civil society in the EU. I would like to extend a special thanks to my co-chair, Brikena Xhomaqi, for her contributions in this debate, ensuring that the messages from the Civil Society Week were at the heart of the conversation.

The discussions on the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU were particularly pertinent, as we are witnessing an alarming rise in disinformation and a shrinking civic space across the Union. Civil society plays a critical role in defending democratic values and protecting the rule of law. I am grateful to the European Civic Forum and all other contributors for their vital input on this pressing issue.

Another highlight of our discussions was the promotion of social integration for persons with disabilities and those with changed working capacity. It was clear that the insights shared by the European Disability Forum were pivotal in steering the conversation toward more inclusive policies. Disability must be central in all our societal discussions, starting with inclusive work places. This is about dignity, respect & equal opportunities for all.

Finally, the EESC plenary also focused on the EU’s ambitious 2040 climate targets. Addressing climate change remains one of the most urgent challenges of our time, and the involvement of civil society is crucial in ensuring that these targets are not only met but exceeded for the benefit of future generations.

Thank you once again to all of you for your dedication to making the voice of civil society heard and supporting the EESC not only in the Liaison Group, but also in our plenary sessions. I am looking forward to celebrating 20 years since the foundation of our Liaison Group and starting the preparations of next year's Civil Society Week.

Warm regards,

Oliver Röpke

President of the EESC

Co-chair of the Liaison Group

News from the CSO members of the Liaison Group

ECAS’s 10th Anniversary Digital Democracy Day 2024 – Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue! 26 September 2024

On September 26, the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) will host the 2024 Digital Democracy Day, commemorating a decade of work in Digital Democracy and the potential of cutting-edge technologies. The event will feature two key panels discussing the past decade of e-participation practices and the possible future impact of technologies such as AI, Blockchain and the Metaverse on democratic processes. Read more here.

Image © ECAS

Philea – Partnering for Social Impact: Impact Investing, EP Info Hub, Brussels, 1 October 2024

Philea, together with Impact Europe, will host ‘Partnering for Social Impact: How Policymakers Can Stimulate Impact Investing Activities of Philanthropic Organisations’ at the European Parliament Info Hub in Brussels on 1 October in the morning. Today’s challenges are too big and complex for any single actor to take on –we need all hands on deck to address them effectively and efficiently. This means making the most of private, public and philanthropic resources. Philanthropic organisations could do even more if enabling frameworks and innovative tools were available, as outlined in the Social Economy Action Plan. Join us on the occasion of the European Day of Foundations and Donors for a conversation on how policymakers can further stimulate impact investing activities of philanthropic organisations. Read more here, and register here.

Image © Impact Europe

EASPD: Register now for EASPD Athens Conference on unlocking open labour market employment opportunities for persons with disabilities!, Athens (Greece), 17-18 October 2024

The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities’ (EASPD) conference Opening Doors: How can disability support services unlock the open labour market will take place on 17-18 October in Athens. The conference shares methodologies, tools and legislation that can help create more choices and options for persons with disabilities on the open labour market. Find out more here.

Image © EASPD

EPA: General Assembly and Conference, Tallinn/Estonia, 15-16 November 2024

The European Parents' Association (EPA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming General Assembly and International Conference, taking place on 15&16 November 2024 in the captivating city of Tallinn, Estonia, and co-organised by the Estonian Parents' Association. Gain a comprehensive understanding of Estonia's unique educational landscape, renowned for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to student success; and buckle up for a dynamic, thought-provoking conference themed "Embracing Change" - an interactive "lab" to equip you with tools and strategies to successfully implement strategic transitions. Read more here.

Image © EPA

LLLP: Enrol in the iBox e-learning platform!

Enhance your competences in participation, diversity and digital inclusion with the iBox (Inclusion Box) self-paced courses by the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP), free of charge! Find out how to enrol in the e-learning platform and check out all the available resources.

R.E.D: “Micro-Folie Mobile” – Bringing Culture on the Move in Rural Areas

Ruralité-Environnement-Développement (R.E.D) and "La Grange Théâtre" are launching a mobile “micro-folie” in the Greater Region (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Wallonia in Belgium, Grand Est in France, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland in Germany). This innovative initiative aims to strengthen cultural connections between local stakeholders and organizations in rural communities. By acting as cultural mediators, R.E.D promotes regional appeal and fosters cooperation through an integrated, cross-border approach. Read more here (FR).

Image © R.E.D

Eurochild: A unified approach to tackling poverty and promoting children's rights in Europe

Child poverty in the EU is an ongoing crisis that requires an urgent response. Tackling child poverty calls for a concerted effort and a comprehensive approach that prioritises children’s rights and well-being as of their earliest years, within the broader European agenda. Fighting child poverty and creating a more inclusive, safe and prosperous Europe for all children from an early age onwards must be a priority for European leaders. Read more here.

Image © Eurochild

Past events

CEV: EVCapital 2026 candidates: presentations and videos, 10 September 2024

On 10 September 2024, representatives of three EVCapital 2026 candidates – Ballina (IE), Maia (PT) and Rzeszów (PL) – presented their candidatures, showcasing their volunteering strategy at the #EVCCC event entitled “Unlocking the potential of Volunteering and Solidarity in Europe”, held at the Representation of the European Region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino in Brussels. Giulia Barbucci, EESC Member from Group II, is part of the jury. The winner will be announced in Trento (IT) on 29 November 2024. Watch the videos here.

ALDA: Summer school on local democracy at the Villa Fabris in the heart of Thiene (Italy), 28‑30 August 2024

From 28 to 30 August, the ALDA Summer School on Local Democracy took place. Participants could take part in stimulating debates and interactive workshops on essential democratic issues, featuring prominent European figures and a special focus on Ukraine. They could enjoy an enriching experience set in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of a historic villa. Plus, they could extend their stay with an optional fourth day, including a visit to the enchanting city of Venice. Click here to discover more.

News from the EESC

Online event: The annual ESG Conference 2024, 24 September 2024

With the revision of the EU economic governance framework, which is built around the European Semester, the latter has also been adapted and strengthened in its coordination of the economic, budgetary, employment and social policies of the Member States. The EESC sees a number of opportunities in this review and calls in particular for greater transparency in the Semester, for appropriate involvement of organised civil society and for proper monitoring of the implementation of medium-term fiscal structural plans. Read more here.

Workshop: Competitiveness and convergence: Can we ensure them both? How can civil society contribute?, Brussels, 9 October 2024

Convergence and competitiveness are key for the next EC mandate. Convergence via cohesion policy is developing constantly. Europe must become highly competitive compared to its counterparts and cohesion policy can help towards this direction. Civil society can be a catalyst in these twin challenges. Chambers, SMEs, businesses, universities, unions and NGOs need to make the transition and become more competitive, effective and productive. They will help the European economy and help eliminate economic and social disparities. Read more here.

Conference: Promoting intergenerational solidarity in the EU, Brussels, 10 October 2024

The event will be held in-person only and will be webstreamed. For in-person participation prior registration is required. Please register by 8 October, noon on our registration page. (Registration will open shortly.) Read more here.

Conference: Computer in Command: do the consequences of Algorithmic Management for Workers require EU policy action?, 16 October 2024

AI is affecting the world of work in many ways and becoming a prominent feature in many people's jobs. To understand the challenges in terms of job quality, employment, working conditions, health and safety, as well as concerns regarding the strong potential for worker surveillance, the EESC’s Workers’ Group and FEPS jointly is organising this conference. Read more here.

New EESC study on How to eradicate skills poverty among the most vulnerable?

In July, the Civil Society Organisations’ Group launched a new study on How to eradicate skills poverty among the most vulnerable? The study explores the new concept of ‘skills poverty’, proposing a definition, investigating possible drivers and solutions and paving the way for further research on this topic in the future. The study was commissioned by the EESC at the request of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group and was carried out by the Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE). Read the study here and the interview with the authors here.

Past EESC events

3rd Civil Society Forum - EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, 20 September 2024

Participation was open to civil society organisations representing employers' organisations, workers' representatives, NGOs and academics. The agenda for this third meeting of the CSF included trade in goods, level playing field, regulatory cooperation, trade in services and energy. Read more here.

Public hearing: Climate change and its impact on the economy, 18 July 2024

The EESC Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) is working on an own-initiative opinion on Climate change and its impact on the economy, with the aim of developing a common narrative about the impact of climate change on the economy. As part of the work on this opinion, the ECO section decided to hold a public hearing bringing together experts from organised civil society and decision-makers. The aim of the hearing was two-fold: to discuss the draft EESC opinion, and to collect further views and ideas to expand and refine the EESC's draft recommendations. Read more here.

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

The hearing gathered 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 was 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.

EESC Plenary Session, 17-18 September 2024

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

The following debates took place:

Debate about Promoting the social integration of persons with disabilities and persons with changed working capacity, with Ádám Kósa, State Secretary for Disability Policy at the Hungary's Ministry of the Interior and Nadia Hadad, Board member and Head of the Social Policy Committee, European Disability Forum, linked to the adoption of opinion SOC/807 on the Social integration of persons with disabilities and persons with changed working capacity
Debate about Charting the EU’s democratic progress: a resolution for the next legislative mandate, with Brikena Xhomaqi, co-chair of the EESC Liaison Group and president of the Ad Hoc Group on the EESC Resolution, Véronique Willems, Secretary-General, SME United, Claes-Mikael Stahl, Deputy Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (remotely), Jessica Machacova, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at the European Anti-Poverty Network, Lotte Prins, President of the Dutch National Youth Council, YEYS representative, and the rapporteurs of the resolution on Charting the EU’s democratic progress: a resolution for the next legislative mandate: Christa Schweng, Cinzia Del Rio and Ioannis Vardakastanis
Debate about Rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU, with Joachim Herrmann, Deputy Head of the Cabinet of Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary-General of the European Civic Forum
Debate about 2040 climate target, linked to opinion NAT/931 on the EU Climate target for 2040 with Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, Chair of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (remotely)and Teppo Säkkinen, rapporteur of the 2040 climate target opinion

Amongst others the following resolution and opinions were adopted:

Resolution – Charting the EU’s democratic progress: a resolution for the next legislative mandate
Ensuring equal opportunities and social inclusion (SOC/809)
Mental health community services (SOC/799)
Strengthening the EU Youth Dialogue follow-up (SOC/795)
Social integration of persons with disabilities and persons with changed working capacity (SOC/807)
The impact of demography on Social Europe (SOC/796)
Promoting European intergenerational solidarity (SOC/800)
A joint European degree (SOC/810)
Competitiveness of EU businesses / European Green Deal (INT/1068)
Recalibrating the Green Deal (INT/1065)
Universal Service rights in the electronic communications in the European Union (TEN/834)
Connectivity package on digital networks and infrastructure (TEN/839)
EU Hydrogen Sector (TEN/831)
Paving the way to EU accession for the Western Balkans (REX/591)
A Blueprint for a European Green and Social Deal, based on a wellbeing economy (NAT/927)
A comprehensive strategy for biodiversity at COP16: bringing all sectors together for a common goal (NAT/926)
Climate finance: a new roadmap to deliver on high climate ambition and the SDGs (NAT/929)
A just transition to ensure a sustainable future for EU agri-food systems (NAT/925)

The EESC opinions adopted can be consulted here.

Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives

Join the EESC in a debate on ‘The European Citizens’ Initiative – State of play in Croatia’, 4 October 2024

Are you an ECI organiser, supporter, or other stakeholder active in Croatia? Would you be willing to share your experience, views, ideas and comments on the ECI? Join the EESC for a debate from 9:30-12:00 on Friday 4 October 2024, at the premises of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (Hrvatska Obrtnička Komora - Ilica 49, Zagreb), or online– please register here.

Image © BayDra/shutterstock.com

Discover the European Democracy Passport – your guide to active citizenship!

The new edition of the EESC’s popular publication on the European Democracy Passport is now available in all 24 EU languages. Have a look and order any number of copies in any language of your choice, free of charge! Prefer an interactive version with videos, quizzes, maps and more? Check out the EESC’s website in English, French or German (more languages will be added progressively), and step into a world where your voice truly matters!

Four new ECIs registered by the Commission, with signature collection to start within 6 months

The ‘Stop Cruelty Stop Slaughter’ initiative aims at producing plant proteins and cultivated meat, reducing the number of farm animals and progressively closing all animal farms. The ‘Stop Fake Food: Origin on Label’ initiative calls for consumers to have access to transparent information about the food they buy, as well as for clear and explicit labelling of product origins and adherence to single market standards. The objectives of the ‘ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe’ include an introducing an action plan for water; prioritising water resilience; shifting towards water-efficient industry and agriculture; and ensuring the right to clean and safe water and sanitation, while the ‘PsychedeliCare’ initiative focuses on psychedelic care standards, the rollout of psychedelic therapies, and research in this field.

Image © mstanley / shutterstock.com

What´s new with successful initiatives?

For the ECI on the ‘Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics’, a second (hybrid) workshop on the ‘Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments’ is planned for Friday 25 October 2024. Please see the Commission´s website for more information and registration. Concerning the ‘Save bees and farmers’ initiative, the Nature Restoration Law entered into force on 18 August 2024. It sets binding targets for restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU, both on land and at sea.

Image © Alicia97 / shutterstock.com

New minimum numbers of valid signatures per Member State for ECIs registered as of 16 July 2024

For an ECI to become successful, it must collect at least one million valid signatures and obtain ‘thresholds’ (minimum numbers of valid signatures) in at least seven EU countries. With the start of the 2024-2029 European parliamentary term, the new thresholds per Member State became applicable for ECIs registered by the Commission on or after 16 July 2024.

Image © Net Vector / shutterstock.com

Citizens' Engagement Platform

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.