By Dr. Martha Theodorou
In your manifesto you declared that the space in which civil society operates is increasingly shrinking, limiting the capacity of civil society organisations to undertake legitimate work in the EU and the rest of the world. As EESC, how do you protect the European civil society and how do you strengthen its voice at European and international levels?
The EESC, as the representative House of Civil Society, has a crucial role in ensuring that civil society organisations (CSOs) are heard at the highest levels of European and international decision-making. We have long understood the importance of creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration. Our Liaison Group (LG), established two decades ago, brings together over 40 European umbrella CSOs, fostering an enduring partnership that amplifies their collective voice. Annual initiatives such as the Civil Society Week allow us to formalise these dialogues, sharing the results directly with the Presidents of EU institutions to influence key policies.
Moreover, the EESC actively involves civil society organisations from EU candidate countries through our Enlargement Candidate Members programme. This initiative not only fosters an enabling civic space but also strengthens the foundations of democracy and governance in these regions. Our collaboration with national ESCs, including OKE, ensures that reflections and conclusions from annual meetings with Presidents and Secretaries-General are relayed to EU leadership, thereby integrating national perspectives into broader European decision-making processes.
The EESC also advocates for measures to enhance the operating environment for CSOs, including sustainable funding, streamlined cross-border operations, and robust advocacy frameworks through several opinions. Positive strides, such as the CERV programme and the European Commission's efforts toward an association statute, reflect progress. However, much more remains to be done to secure an enabling environment where CSOs can thrive. By championing fundamental rights and the rule of law, we aim to create a Europe where civil society is empowered to fulfil its vital role.
Recently, you underscored the critical need for the civil society’s involvement in preserving the democratic values across Europe. In what ways and by what means can this be achieved?
Democracy is far more than an electoral exercise; it is an enduring process that hinges on respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law, and citizen engagement. At the EESC, we are deeply committed to fostering participatory democracy by championing initiatives such as the European Citizens’ Initiative, citizens' panels, and assemblies. These platforms ensure that citizens’ voices are central to democratic discourse, and they complement our active involvement in the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Civil society organisations are indispensable guardians of democratic values. They safeguard individual and collective rights, monitor the exercise of authority, and advocate for transparency and accountability. Yet, they face increasing threats and restrictions, which erode the foundations of our democracy. The EESC has taken deliberate steps to address these challenges, notably through our Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group (FRRL), which has engaged with national civil society actors for six years. This group facilitates dialogue on the state of the rule of law across the EU and contributes to shaping policies that strengthen democratic resilience.
Our inaugural Civil Society Week in 2024 brought together 800 participants to discuss democracy's future, generating practical recommendations to enhance civil dialogue, improve funding mechanisms, and protect civil society actors. These proposals are vital as we approach the EU elections, and we will continue to build on this momentum during our next Civil Society Week in 2025, focusing on strengthening social cohesion and democratic participation.
The EESC firmly believes that involving civil society in structured decision-making processes is essential for the credibility and effectiveness of European governance. In our opinions, we call on the European Commission and Member States to integrate civil society perspectives into the implementation of Recovery and Resilience Plans, ensuring these efforts align with the EU’s shared values.
You stated that the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, which sets the EU’s political priorities, lacks a clear commitment to social and civil dialogue. How does the EESC intend to deal with this issue, as the voice of organised civil society in Europe?
Social and civil dialogue are cornerstones of European democracy and essential to addressing the complex challenges facing our Union. The EESC recognizes the vital role of social dialogue in driving economic growth, improving working conditions, and fostering sustainable competitiveness. We strongly support initiatives such as collective bargaining and workers’ right to consultation, which are indispensable in adapting to the transformative effects of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
The proposed Pact for European Social Dialogue, set to be launched in 2025, represents a significant opportunity to reinforce these principles. The EESC is committed to working closely with the European Commission to ensure the Pact achieves its objectives. Furthermore, we have repeatedly called for the adoption of a comprehensive strategy for civil dialogue, encompassing an interinstitutional agreement to institutionalize structured consultations with civil society actors.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of social and civil dialogue, we advocate for better implementation of Article 11 TEU and the creation of a civil society platform. This platform would institutionalize the consultation process, providing a formal mechanism to gather and act on the insights of civil society. In this way, the EESC aspires to solidify its role as the institutional guardian of civil dialogue in the EU.
In your opinion, in what ways the European industrial decline could be fought, the economic growth be supported, and the investments be increased, while at the same time the labour market will be improved, and the prosperity of the Union's citizens will be ensured?
Reversing the trend of deindustrialisation in Europe demands a multifaceted and coordinated strategy that addresses the root causes of industrial decline while fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The EESC underscores the importance of a comprehensive and forward-looking industrial policy that harmonises efforts across Member States to create a seamless regulatory environment. This approach would eliminate barriers, particularly in digital and energy sectors, and strengthen regional clusters to enhance competitiveness and job creation.
The Green and Digital Transitions, embodied by the EU Green Deal and the Net-Zero Industry Act, are pivotal in this transformation. By investing in clean technologies, digital innovation, and resilient supply chains, we can create high-quality jobs and secure Europe’s industrial future. Initiatives like battery production in Dunkirk and semiconductor manufacturing in Grenoble are exemplary of how targeted investments can drive growth while supporting climate goals.
Equally critical is the development of skills and education tailored to emerging sectors. The EESC advocates for lifelong learning programs, STEM-focused education, and vocational training that prepare workers for the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. These measures must be complemented by substantial investments in research and development (R&D), fostering innovation that translates into marketable solutions.
The challenge of high energy costs, which disproportionately affect European industries, must also be addressed. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring stable access to critical raw materials will enable Europe to remain competitive on a global scale. Furthermore, strategic partnerships and trade agreements with like-minded nations will help diversify supply chains and reduce dependencies.
To ensure that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for citizens, we must prioritise inclusive economic growth. By leveraging the single market, removing internal barriers, and fostering SME development, we can stimulate job creation and improve living standards. The EESC’s proposal for an EU investment fund as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework underscores the need for public and private financing to realise these strategic goals while ensuring long-term sustainability.
The European Green Deal, with the ultimate goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050, supports the EU transformation into a fair and prosperous society with a modern and competitive economy. What are the EESC's proposals that will enable a more social European Green Deal?
The EESC envisions a European Green Deal that seamlessly integrates environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that the benefits of this transformative agenda are shared equitably across all segments of society. Our recent opinion, A Blueprint for a European Green and Social Deal, advocates for a wellbeing economy that merges environmental and social policies, aligning with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
Central to this vision is the principle of leaving no one behind. This means prioritising investments in education, social protection, and healthcare, which are critical to supporting vulnerable populations through the green transition. To finance this agenda, the EESC calls for innovative approaches, including measures to tackle tax evasion, reform subsidies, and redirect resources from fossil fuels to sustainable economic activities.
Access to essential services, such as clean water, affordable energy, and public transportation, must be universal and inclusive. The EESC’s EU Blue Deal highlights water security as a strategic priority, calling for investments in water resilience to ensure that industries, agriculture, and households can thrive in a decarbonised economy.
We also stress the importance of meaningful participation from civil society in shaping and implementing the Green Deal. By engaging diverse voices, particularly those of underrepresented groups, we can build a more inclusive and cohesive European society that is better equipped to meet the challenges of climate change.
According to the European Pillar of Social Rights, everyone has the right to a good-quality and affordable place to live. How does the EU and the Member States can ensure the availability and accessibility to affordable housing for their citizens, especially for the most vulnerable groups?
The right to affordable and decent housing is fundamental, yet many Europeans face excessive housing costs that undermine economic and social cohesion. The EESC strongly supports the development of a European Action Plan on Housing to address these challenges comprehensively. This plan must include measures tailored to local realities, enabling Member States, regions, and cities to sustainably expand their social and affordable housing stock.
The recent appointment of a Commissioner for Energy and Housing marks a significant step forward, as does the mandate for an annual EU Summit on Social and Affordable Housing. These initiatives provide a platform for collaborative solutions and sustained commitment to tackling the housing crisis.
Innovative financing mechanisms are essential to achieving long-term results. The EESC highlights the importance of leveraging European funds and encouraging public investments to support renovation strategies targeting vulnerable populations. The "renovation wave" strategy, with its focus on improving energy efficiency in residential buildings, is a critical component of this effort.
Finally, the EESC plans to further explore housing-related challenges as part of its 2025 initiative on the “Cost-of-Living Crisis,” providing actionable recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.
Following the continuous geopolitical tensions, the number of refugees and migrants is expected to increase in the EU. Which recommendations has the ESSC to offer for their better distribution and integration into the European labour market?
The EESC believes that effective integration of refugees and migrants into the labour market requires a holistic approach that addresses barriers to employment, skills recognition, and community integration. First, we strongly support the European Commission’s recommendation to simplify the recognition of qualifications for third-country nationals. Transparent and efficient validation processes are essential for enabling these individuals to access regulated professions.
We advocate for tailored policies that facilitate migrants’ entry into the labour market, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups. This includes vocational training programs co-designed by governments, social entities, and business communities, along with language and citizenship classes for asylum seekers.
Cultural integration is equally important. Educational initiatives in schools can foster understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures, while civil society organisations can serve as vital bridges between host and migrant communities. We also encourage migrants to actively participate in political and social organisations, reinforcing their sense of belonging and contribution to society.
For asylum seekers, we urge Member States to reduce administrative restrictions on labor market access, enabling them to quickly achieve independence and contribute to their host countries.
The EU Member States are facing multiple demographic challenges, which they need to address. What is the impact of demography on social Europe today and what are the EESC's proposals for achieving a more sustainable social development?
Demographic trends, including an ageing population, low birth rates, and regional disparities, pose significant challenges to Europe’s social and economic systems. The EESC identifies several axes of action to ensure sustainable development in the face of these challenges.
Addressing declining birth rates requires comprehensive family policies that provide financial support, stable employment, and accessible childcare. Ensuring decent wages and improving working conditions are key to attracting and retaining workers across all sectors.
Reforming pension and care systems is also critical. Member States must balance sustainability with inclusivity, supporting older adults in maintaining autonomy while enhancing formal care services for those in need.
The EESC underscores the potential of legal migration pathways to alleviate labor shortages and foster economic growth. Initiatives like the EU Talent Pool are vital for attracting skilled workers while ensuring successful integration through robust policies.
Lastly, we call for the establishment of a European Agency for Demography to mainstream demographic considerations into policy design, supported by enhanced research and data dissemination.
With what new synergies could the cooperation of the EESC with the national Economic and Social Councils (NESCs) become more effective?
The cooperation between the EESC and the national Economic and Social Councils has been stepped up in the last two years fostering a dialogue between organised civil society across the EU, defending and breathing life into our common values. This is also what the European Commission and the European Parliament are asking us to do.
The numerous working visits and exchanges on policy topics we have organised this year between the EESC and our national counterparts are instrumental in this framework, as they are a two-way information channel about our respective priorities and citizens' concerns and expectations. I am pleased to see that several NESCs have embarked on a new cycle of visits called the 'Erasmus of civil societies' and I hope that in the future more and more Councils join this meaningful initiative. I know that the next conference in this framework will be organised by your national ESC, here in Athens.
We are also investing fresh energy into organising joint events and conferences; for instance, we launched a cycle of conferences on fighting disinformation with the support of national Councils in Bulgaria, Moldova and in Greece. I am also pleased to see that there is an increasing interest from the NESCs in participating in our annual flagship initiative – Civil Society Week- which I already mentioned earlier. To further enhance synergies, the EESC proposes tailored information sessions on EU policies for NESCs, empowering them in their consultative and advocacy activities. We also plan to expand participation in flagship initiatives like the Civil Society Week, providing additional opportunities for dialogue and joint action.
Our Annual Meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General remains a cornerstone of this partnership, bringing together stakeholders to align priorities and deepen cooperation. By continuing to strengthen these connections, we aim to build a more unified and effective network of economic and social councils across Europe.
