Dear friends, members and colleagues,
The global threats to democracy are escalating, as we find ourselves on the brink of a societal conflict driven by underlying economic decline and the shortcomings of a capitalist system that continues to breed new injustices and disparities. The political and economic turbulence exacerbated by the COVID crisis only underscores the widespread dissatisfaction with both domestic and international governance. Whether in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza or Iran, whether far away or close to home, we are all concerned when innocent lives are sacrificed or in danger.
As we prepare for the pivotal democratic exercise of electing the new European Parliament for 2024-2029, it is crucial that we articulate why there is so much more riding on these elections than ever before. They are an opportunity to vote to safeguard our collective achievements and tackle the challenges that lie ahead – where the most important thing is unity. On 9 June let us join forces to fight for a stronger and better Europe.
In March, the EESC adopted a resolution advocating for a united, democratic, competitive, sustainable and socially inclusive European Union. Against a backdrop of declining global democracy, widespread disinformation, mounting discontent with inflation, and the spectre of conflict, the stakes are high in the upcoming European Parliament elections. We have a responsibility to ensure that all citizens make informed decisions and are aware of what Europe does for them and why they must help shape their own future.
During Civil Society Week on 4-7 March, civil society organisations came together to urge policymakers to redouble their efforts to combat disinformation and create robust frameworks that foster civic engagement. We need a strong European civil society strategy that reflects on new ways of representative and deliberative democracy, where citizens can voice their concerns, directly or through their representatives' safe spaces.
I hope to see many of you in the coming weeks actively engaging in debating and communicating Europe beyond Brussels – in your families, your villages, cities, regions, countries and across Europe.