Liaison Group Newsletter July 2024

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Dear members, friends and colleagues,

A new chapter for the EU and its democracy has started after the June European Parliament elections. This year's elections saw a significant shift in power, with several new parties and candidates making waves in the political landscape. The impact of these elections on civil society is expected to be substantial, as the newly elected officials will play a key role in shaping policies that affect citizens across the EU in the coming years. The rise of far rights has only fuelled more polarisation in our societies while increasing uncertainties about democratic values all across Europe and beyond.

This summer break will be nothing of a break for the EU institutions and main policy makers that will be continuing to shape the European governance while Hungary will be leading the European council for the first six months during which main decisions will be taking place. It is now up to civil society organisations and citizens to hold these officials accountable and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. It’s essential for all of us civil society workers, volunteers and activities to stay united and strengthen our cooperation. And that where EESC house of civil society plays a key role. 

The July plenary session of the EESC focused on examining the state of democracy in Europe. The session was attended by President of the EU Parliament Roberta Metsola, along with leaders from the political groups EPP, S&D, Renew, the Greens, and the Left party. These debates were highly enriching, offering valuable insights into the political trajectory we can expect amid our current climate of uncertainty. One clear outcome was the key role civil society plays in strengthening democracy. 

We know that many of your organisations launched successful campaigns to increase voter turnout. Also the EESC was active and organized 122 events in the European member states to motivate EU citizens cast their vote and make their voices heard. 

But the high voter turnout does not mean that we should be complacent. Citizens gave us a warning that many of them feel disconnected from the European project. We must ask ourselves: why? I know that at the Liaison Group we stand united in our conviction that the European Union is the only answer to promote and defend democracy in Europe by making the voice of organised civil society heard.

Our work is far from over, and it is crucial that we persist in addressing the challenges that threaten democratic values and institutions. Together we can strengthen the resilience of  the EU democracy during the next mandate.

Oliver Röpke
President of the EESC 

Brikena Xhomaqi
Co-chair of the Liaison Group