Ben Hagard
@bhagard.bsky.social
Head of Unit, European Economic and Social Committee. Posting here in a personal capacity. Views are my own. RTs not necessarily endorsements.
On #HolocaustRemembranceDay, we pay homage to the six million Jews and all persecuted groups who were ruthlessly murdered by the Nazi regime.
Today, #WeRemember those who perished in the Holocaust.
We commemorate the six million Jews and all persecuted groups murdered by the Nazi regime.
Together with #EUCivilSociety, we join the United Nations in pledging to defend the dignity and human rights of all.
#HolocaustRemembranceDay
We commemorate the six million Jews and all persecuted groups murdered by the Nazi regime.
Together with #EUCivilSociety, we join the United Nations in pledging to defend the dignity and human rights of all.
#HolocaustRemembranceDay
January 27, 2026 at 2:18 PM
On #HolocaustRemembranceDay, we pay homage to the six million Jews and all persecuted groups who were ruthlessly murdered by the Nazi regime.
Artificial intelligence is crucial to Europe’s future competitiveness…
We need to accelerate artificial intelligence deployment across the EU.
While we welcome the @ec.europa.eu's Apply #AI Strategy, at our #EESCPlenary we urged for:
✅ simpler access to funding;
✅ stronger regional AI ecosystems;
✅ sustained investment in AI skills.
More: link.europa.eu/mDhYKt
While we welcome the @ec.europa.eu's Apply #AI Strategy, at our #EESCPlenary we urged for:
✅ simpler access to funding;
✅ stronger regional AI ecosystems;
✅ sustained investment in AI skills.
More: link.europa.eu/mDhYKt
January 26, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Artificial intelligence is crucial to Europe’s future competitiveness…
United against racism 🇪🇺
Racism has no place in the EU.
We welcome the new @ec.europa.eu's EU Anti-Racism Strategy to continue building a true #UnionOfEquality.
One of our @eesc-president.bsky.social's key priorities is to put the implementation of the strategy at the heart of our work.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
We welcome the new @ec.europa.eu's EU Anti-Racism Strategy to continue building a true #UnionOfEquality.
One of our @eesc-president.bsky.social's key priorities is to put the implementation of the strategy at the heart of our work.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
January 20, 2026 at 4:22 PM
United against racism 🇪🇺
Solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. 🇩🇰 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
My consultations with member states on the latest tensions over Greenland reconfirm our strong commitment to the following:
▪️ Unity on the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty;
▪️ Unity in support of and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland;
▪️ Unity on the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty;
▪️ Unity in support of and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland;
January 19, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. 🇩🇰 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
Europe needs a truly circular economy.
Steel, aluminium and glass are key to a truly EU #CircularEconomy.
To make the most of them, we recommend:
🔹recognising permanent materials in EU law;
🔹achieving 90% separate collection of packaging waste by 2030;
🔹harmonising schemes across EU countries.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/xWkDmY
#Sustainability
To make the most of them, we recommend:
🔹recognising permanent materials in EU law;
🔹achieving 90% separate collection of packaging waste by 2030;
🔹harmonising schemes across EU countries.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/xWkDmY
#Sustainability
January 16, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Europe needs a truly circular economy.
Many important debates and votes in our first plenary session of 2026…
The first #EESCPlenary of 2026 is coming up!
On 21-22 January, our members will debate key issues & vote on recommendations for EU proposals.
In brief:
🇪🇺 debates on @cy2026eu.bsky.social, AI & safe abortion;
🇪🇺 votes on Erasmus+, the EU Social Fund & the #CAP.
More: link.europa.eu/YfXNFJ
On 21-22 January, our members will debate key issues & vote on recommendations for EU proposals.
In brief:
🇪🇺 debates on @cy2026eu.bsky.social, AI & safe abortion;
🇪🇺 votes on Erasmus+, the EU Social Fund & the #CAP.
More: link.europa.eu/YfXNFJ
January 15, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Many important debates and votes in our first plenary session of 2026…
The right to a home is a fundamental right…
Everyone deserves a place to call home. 🏠
With our @eesc-president.bsky.social, we will defend everyone's right to decent & affordable housing.
We continue to:
🏘️ support the EU #AffordableHousing Plan;
🏘️ coordinate #EUCivilSociety's action to tackle homelessness.
👉 link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
With our @eesc-president.bsky.social, we will defend everyone's right to decent & affordable housing.
We continue to:
🏘️ support the EU #AffordableHousing Plan;
🏘️ coordinate #EUCivilSociety's action to tackle homelessness.
👉 link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
January 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM
The right to a home is a fundamental right…
For a Europe that is free and democratic. 🇪🇺
For a free and democratic Europe. 🇪🇺
We welcome the @ec.europa.eu's proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes.
We call for:
👉 robust support for #EUCivilSociety;
👉 enhanced democratic participation;
👉 a stronger European Area of Justice.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/Yyv7fn
#AgoraEU #EUJustice
We welcome the @ec.europa.eu's proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes.
We call for:
👉 robust support for #EUCivilSociety;
👉 enhanced democratic participation;
👉 a stronger European Area of Justice.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/Yyv7fn
#AgoraEU #EUJustice
January 13, 2026 at 11:18 AM
For a Europe that is free and democratic. 🇪🇺
Our President discussed several important topics with Pope Leo on Saturday, from the eradication of poverty to the defence of democracy and the protection of the most vulnerable in society.
“The EU must listen, and we all must do better.” —
@eesc-president.bsky.social
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received our President to discuss key EU values, from eradicating poverty to defending democracy.
He also highlighted the vital role of #EUCivilSociety in bringing communities together.
@eesc-president.bsky.social
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received our President to discuss key EU values, from eradicating poverty to defending democracy.
He also highlighted the vital role of #EUCivilSociety in bringing communities together.
January 12, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Our President discussed several important topics with Pope Leo on Saturday, from the eradication of poverty to the defence of democracy and the protection of the most vulnerable in society.
2026 - a year of anniversaries for the EU…
EU milestones shaping our present. 🇪🇺
In 2026, we mark:
📌 45 years since Greece joined the EU;
📌 40 years since Spain & Portugal joined too;
📌 40 years since the Single European Act;
📌 25 years since the Laeken Declaration;
📌 10 years of the GDPR.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
In 2026, we mark:
📌 45 years since Greece joined the EU;
📌 40 years since Spain & Portugal joined too;
📌 40 years since the Single European Act;
📌 25 years since the Laeken Declaration;
📌 10 years of the GDPR.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
January 9, 2026 at 1:53 PM
2026 - a year of anniversaries for the EU…
The United Kingdom’s return to Erasmus+ is great news for the UK and for the EU! 🇬🇧🇪🇺
The UK’s return to #ErasmusPlus is a win for future generations. 🇬🇧 🇪🇺
Through years of dialogue & advocacy with #EUCivilSociety, we have long supported EU-UK #YouthEngagement.
We keep on working to open new opportunities for #Youth across borders.
@euinuk.bsky.social
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/JmWRKt
Through years of dialogue & advocacy with #EUCivilSociety, we have long supported EU-UK #YouthEngagement.
We keep on working to open new opportunities for #Youth across borders.
@euinuk.bsky.social
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/JmWRKt
January 8, 2026 at 12:42 PM
The United Kingdom’s return to Erasmus+ is great news for the UK and for the EU! 🇬🇧🇪🇺
Europe’s strategic autonomy requires it to be a world leader in space.
The EU can be a world leader in space. 🚀
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUSpace Act, we call for:
✨ increasing space investment to at least 0.2% of the EU’s GDP by 2030;
✨strengthening the role of the @euspa.bsky.social.
✨a clear framework for private investment.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/kwQF79
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUSpace Act, we call for:
✨ increasing space investment to at least 0.2% of the EU’s GDP by 2030;
✨strengthening the role of the @euspa.bsky.social.
✨a clear framework for private investment.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/kwQF79
January 7, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Europe’s strategic autonomy requires it to be a world leader in space.
The @eesc.bsky.social urges the European Commission to radically strengthen the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Civil protection must be reinforced.
We urge the @ec.europa.eu to strengthen the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism.
To protect citizens, the EU must ensure:
🛡️ less red tape;
🛡️ modern early-warning systems;
🛡️ more trained staff;
🛡️ stable funding for professionals & volunteers.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/p4NrPx
We urge the @ec.europa.eu to strengthen the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism.
To protect citizens, the EU must ensure:
🛡️ less red tape;
🛡️ modern early-warning systems;
🛡️ more trained staff;
🛡️ stable funding for professionals & volunteers.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/p4NrPx
January 6, 2026 at 2:33 PM
The @eesc.bsky.social urges the European Commission to radically strengthen the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Our wish list for 2026…
January 5, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Our wish list for 2026…
A perfect holiday gift for your furry friend? An EU Pet Passport! 🐾
Travelling with your furry friend this holiday season? 🐾
Make sure they have an EU Pet Passport!
What it includes:
🐶 your pet’s details;
🐱 its microchip or tattoo number;
🐶 your pet's rabies vaccination record;
🐱 yours and your vet’s contact info.
#PetPassport
ℹ️ europa.eu/!RBMtV6
Make sure they have an EU Pet Passport!
What it includes:
🐶 your pet’s details;
🐱 its microchip or tattoo number;
🐶 your pet's rabies vaccination record;
🐱 yours and your vet’s contact info.
#PetPassport
ℹ️ europa.eu/!RBMtV6
December 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM
A perfect holiday gift for your furry friend? An EU Pet Passport! 🐾
This holiday season, take a few sustainable actions to repair and reuse.
Only 35% of people in the EU repair their products. Are you one of them?
Thanks to the #Right2Repair rules, repair is becoming easier. We helped make #EUCivilSociety voices heard from the very start of the law-making process.
This holiday season let’s repair & reuse.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/dcvf3B
Thanks to the #Right2Repair rules, repair is becoming easier. We helped make #EUCivilSociety voices heard from the very start of the law-making process.
This holiday season let’s repair & reuse.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/dcvf3B
December 22, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This holiday season, take a few sustainable actions to repair and reuse.
The EU’s future requires a Union of resilience…
💠 A Union of resilience. 💠
We aim to deliver a resilient, inclusive agri-food system.
Under our new @eesc-president.bsky.social’s mandate, we will:
✅ rural proof EU policies;
✅ prioritise holistic rural strategies;
✅ advocate for resilient CAP post-2027.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
#EESCPriorities
We aim to deliver a resilient, inclusive agri-food system.
Under our new @eesc-president.bsky.social’s mandate, we will:
✅ rural proof EU policies;
✅ prioritise holistic rural strategies;
✅ advocate for resilient CAP post-2027.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/c3gtBC
#EESCPriorities
December 19, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The EU’s future requires a Union of resilience…
Save the date: the third edition of Civil Society Week is coming!
Time to save the date! 📅
Our #CivSocWeek 2026 will take place from 2–5 March.
Once again this year, the event will gather #EUCivilSociety, institutions and stakeholders to explore how people, democracy and resilience must shape Europe’s future.
Find out more ➡️ @eesccivsocrel.bsky.social
Our #CivSocWeek 2026 will take place from 2–5 March.
Once again this year, the event will gather #EUCivilSociety, institutions and stakeholders to explore how people, democracy and resilience must shape Europe’s future.
Find out more ➡️ @eesccivsocrel.bsky.social
December 10, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Save the date: the third edition of Civil Society Week is coming!
Seventy years of the European flag 🇪🇺
United in diversity, under one flag. 🇪🇺
70 years ago, the @coe.int introduced the European flag: twelve golden stars on a blue field.
Once adopted by the @consilium.europa.eu, it became more than just a flag: it became a symbol of unity, purpose, and of the future we keep building together.
70 years ago, the @coe.int introduced the European flag: twelve golden stars on a blue field.
Once adopted by the @consilium.europa.eu, it became more than just a flag: it became a symbol of unity, purpose, and of the future we keep building together.
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Seventy years of the European flag 🇪🇺
Reposted by Ben Hagard
The next #MFF needs to be bigger and decentralised.
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUBudget proposal, at our #EESCPlenary, we warn that it could:
🔹 lead to excessive centralisation in the management of EU funds;
🔹 limit #EUCivilSociety consultation.
Read more: link.europa.eu/qx9G6W
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUBudget proposal, at our #EESCPlenary, we warn that it could:
🔹 lead to excessive centralisation in the management of EU funds;
🔹 limit #EUCivilSociety consultation.
Read more: link.europa.eu/qx9G6W
December 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The next #MFF needs to be bigger and decentralised.
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUBudget proposal, at our #EESCPlenary, we warn that it could:
🔹 lead to excessive centralisation in the management of EU funds;
🔹 limit #EUCivilSociety consultation.
Read more: link.europa.eu/qx9G6W
Following the @ec.europa.eu's #EUBudget proposal, at our #EESCPlenary, we warn that it could:
🔹 lead to excessive centralisation in the management of EU funds;
🔹 limit #EUCivilSociety consultation.
Read more: link.europa.eu/qx9G6W
On International Volunteer Day, we recognise the essential contribution of volunteers who support our societies.
Volunteers strengthen our communities every day.
On International #VolunteerDay, we recognise the role of volunteers in supporting our society.
We call for:
❤ stronger support to volunteering organisations;
❤ opportunities for everyone willing to contribute.
ℹ️link.europa.eu/bxYTpm
On International #VolunteerDay, we recognise the role of volunteers in supporting our society.
We call for:
❤ stronger support to volunteering organisations;
❤ opportunities for everyone willing to contribute.
ℹ️link.europa.eu/bxYTpm
December 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
On International Volunteer Day, we recognise the essential contribution of volunteers who support our societies.
The second half of the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030 must focus on closing remaining gaps and implementing concrete measures that make inclusion a reality for persons with disabilities.
Inclusive society is one of our priorities.
On the International Persons with Disabilities Day we reaffirm our commitment to build a #UnionOfEquality by:
♿ addressing the gaps in the #EUDisabilityCard & freedom of movement;
♿ building on the Disability Employment Package.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/6KQ8Tn
On the International Persons with Disabilities Day we reaffirm our commitment to build a #UnionOfEquality by:
♿ addressing the gaps in the #EUDisabilityCard & freedom of movement;
♿ building on the Disability Employment Package.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/6KQ8Tn
December 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM
The second half of the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030 must focus on closing remaining gaps and implementing concrete measures that make inclusion a reality for persons with disabilities.
Tomorrow is #EESCPlenary day!
Tomorrow is #EESCPlenary day!
Our members, joined by several guests, will debate on the:
🤝 role of industrial cooperatives;
💶 #MFF;
🌍 @cop30nobrasil.bsky.social's outcomes & #ParisAgreement 10th anniversary.
Tune in! 👉 link.europa.eu/6tR3q8
Our members, joined by several guests, will debate on the:
🤝 role of industrial cooperatives;
💶 #MFF;
🌍 @cop30nobrasil.bsky.social's outcomes & #ParisAgreement 10th anniversary.
Tune in! 👉 link.europa.eu/6tR3q8
December 2, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Tomorrow is #EESCPlenary day!
Combatting HIV-related stigma and discrimination should be a top EU priority.
On #WorldAidsDay we call for:
🔴 #HIV-related stigma & discrimination to be at the top of the EU political agenda;
🔴 more ambitious prevention targets.
Our recommendations: link.europa.eu/Hb7Bgy
#AIDS
🔴 #HIV-related stigma & discrimination to be at the top of the EU political agenda;
🔴 more ambitious prevention targets.
Our recommendations: link.europa.eu/Hb7Bgy
#AIDS
December 1, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Combatting HIV-related stigma and discrimination should be a top EU priority.
Ten years after the Paris Agreement, it is time to move from words to action, and civil society has a crucial role to play in making it happen.
#EUatCOP30
#EUatCOP30
The planet is calling for action, and we are answering that call: #COP30 has started.🌎
We are joining the EU Delegation to call for:
🌱 building resilient agri-food systems;
🌱 promoting biodiversity and water;
🌱 ensuring a just transition.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/rmmpjv
@cop30brazil.bsky.social
We are joining the EU Delegation to call for:
🌱 building resilient agri-food systems;
🌱 promoting biodiversity and water;
🌱 ensuring a just transition.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/rmmpjv
@cop30brazil.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Ten years after the Paris Agreement, it is time to move from words to action, and civil society has a crucial role to play in making it happen.
#EUatCOP30
#EUatCOP30