Dear readers,

Earlier in October, the European Commission adopted its 2022 work programme "Making Europe stronger together", with a focus on rebuilding a fairer and more resilient post-COVID-19 society while accelerating the green and digital transitions. I was pleased to see that many of the recommendations set out in our EESC resolution adopted at the June plenary session had been taken on board.

Our common priorities revolve around achieving climate neutrality by 2050, shaping a digital future, strengthening the unique social market economy, building a prosperous EU and making Europe stronger in the world.

With climate change being one of the biggest challenges facing the EU, the EESC is more committed than ever to the European Green Deal. Sustainable development should become a mindset and the basis for a competitive European economy, without forgetting a focus on circularity.
For effective digitalisation, we need to ensure that education and training meet the demands of the artificial intelligence era. It is crucial that all EU citizens have equal opportunities when it comes to responding to changes in the labour market and in everyday life.

As the recovery will be at the centre of Europe's transformation after COVID-19, entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth, employment and social inclusion. But an economy that works for people cannot be achieved without social and civil dialogue.

Dialogue and civil society are also crucial for a healthy democracy that respects the rule of law and fundamental rights. We currently see a need to deploy stronger mechanisms to better monitor civic space issues and defend civil society space. When talking about democracy, we cannot forget the need for actions that uphold the primacy of EU law.

And last but not least, in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe and with the Commission's work programme having been recently adopted, I can't overemphasise the importance of involving organised civil society in shaping policy. The Committee will continue working closely with all the EU institutions towards common goals meant to make our societies stronger.

United for the future of Europe.

Christa Schweng

EESC President