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.
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
Check out the @eesc.bsky.social’s water resilience recommendations…
Protecting water is key.
The recent @consilium.europa.eu Environment conclusions on the Water Resilience Strategy align with our #EUBlueDeal call by recognising:
💧 water resilience across all sectors;
💧 water security as a priority.
More of our recommendations👉 link.europa.eu/7TrhPY
The recent @consilium.europa.eu Environment conclusions on the Water Resilience Strategy align with our #EUBlueDeal call by recognising:
💧 water resilience across all sectors;
💧 water security as a priority.
More of our recommendations👉 link.europa.eu/7TrhPY
November 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Check out the @eesc.bsky.social’s water resilience recommendations…
93.3 million people in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024.
November 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM
93.3 million people in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024.
Towards a larger European Union 🇪🇺
Strong democracies need strong social dialogue.
For EU values to thrive, they must be shared, practiced, and protected everywhere, including in candidate countries.
Read more: link.europa.eu/9DfmpF
#EUEnlargement
For EU values to thrive, they must be shared, practiced, and protected everywhere, including in candidate countries.
Read more: link.europa.eu/9DfmpF
#EUEnlargement
November 5, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Towards a larger European Union 🇪🇺
Human rights are Europe’s DNA, and our path forward. They shape who we are and guide where we are going. 🇪🇺
Human rights are Europe’s DNA & our path forward.
75 years ago, with the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights, Europe chose freedom, justice & dignity.
We honour that promise every day, placing #EUCivilSociety at the heart of the EU project.🇪🇺
#ECHR @echr.coe.int
75 years ago, with the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights, Europe chose freedom, justice & dignity.
We honour that promise every day, placing #EUCivilSociety at the heart of the EU project.🇪🇺
#ECHR @echr.coe.int
November 4, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Human rights are Europe’s DNA, and our path forward. They shape who we are and guide where we are going. 🇪🇺
It’s time to turn things around! Discover the full programme of Gender Equality Week: link.europa.eu/44t3j9
November 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM
It’s time to turn things around! Discover the full programme of Gender Equality Week: link.europa.eu/44t3j9
Read the @eesc.bsky.social resolution on the Roadmap for Women's Rights…
Shaping Europe’s future for women’s rights!
We were the first to support the @ec.europa.eu’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights.
We commit to:
⚖️ inclusive #GenderEquality dialogue;
⚖️ empowering youth & #EUCivilSociety;
⚖️ tackling discrimination;
⚖️ supporting rights & safe spaces.
More: europa.eu/!BgWxKP
We were the first to support the @ec.europa.eu’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights.
We commit to:
⚖️ inclusive #GenderEquality dialogue;
⚖️ empowering youth & #EUCivilSociety;
⚖️ tackling discrimination;
⚖️ supporting rights & safe spaces.
More: europa.eu/!BgWxKP
October 31, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Read the @eesc.bsky.social resolution on the Roadmap for Women's Rights…
Meet the @eesc.bsky.social’s 329 members for the 2025-2030 mandate!
A week ago, our 329 members took part in their first #EESCPlenary under the 2025-2030 mandate.
They:
🔹 come from all 27 EU countries;
🔹 are nominated by their national governments;
🔹 are appointed by the @consilium.europa.eu.
Meet them all → link.europa.eu/KGdQWY
#EESCRenewal
They:
🔹 come from all 27 EU countries;
🔹 are nominated by their national governments;
🔹 are appointed by the @consilium.europa.eu.
Meet them all → link.europa.eu/KGdQWY
#EESCRenewal
October 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Meet the @eesc.bsky.social’s 329 members for the 2025-2030 mandate!
Reposted by Ben Hagard
Did you miss our 600th #EESCPlenary?
Here's what happened:
➡️ We renewed our Committee with 329 members.
➡️ Séamus Boland was elected as our @eesc-president.bsky.social.
➡️ We adopted opinions on key topics for the EU.
A new 5-year journey begins!
Find out more → link.europa.eu/9XQfCh
#EESCRenewal
Here's what happened:
➡️ We renewed our Committee with 329 members.
➡️ Séamus Boland was elected as our @eesc-president.bsky.social.
➡️ We adopted opinions on key topics for the EU.
A new 5-year journey begins!
Find out more → link.europa.eu/9XQfCh
#EESCRenewal
October 24, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Did you miss our 600th #EESCPlenary?
Here's what happened:
➡️ We renewed our Committee with 329 members.
➡️ Séamus Boland was elected as our @eesc-president.bsky.social.
➡️ We adopted opinions on key topics for the EU.
A new 5-year journey begins!
Find out more → link.europa.eu/9XQfCh
#EESCRenewal
Here's what happened:
➡️ We renewed our Committee with 329 members.
➡️ Séamus Boland was elected as our @eesc-president.bsky.social.
➡️ We adopted opinions on key topics for the EU.
A new 5-year journey begins!
Find out more → link.europa.eu/9XQfCh
#EESCRenewal
Congratulations to the new @eesc.bsky.social President, Séamus Boland!
Meet our newly-elected @eesc-president.bsky.social, Séamus Boland. 🇪🇺
From strengthening democracy to fostering social, economic and environmental balance across the EU, his priorities are many.
His term will be marked by further strengthening #EUCivilSociety role.
#EESCPlenary
From strengthening democracy to fostering social, economic and environmental balance across the EU, his priorities are many.
His term will be marked by further strengthening #EUCivilSociety role.
#EESCPlenary
October 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Congratulations to the new @eesc.bsky.social President, Séamus Boland!
We call for a secure, resilient, and strategically autonomous EU. 🇪🇺
We call for a secure, resilient & strategically autonomous EU. 🇪🇺
In a context marked by nationalism & authoritarianism, the EU must:
🔹 uphold peace, #democracy & rule of law;
🔹 balance economic growth & social cohesion;
🔹 promote #multilateralism & inclusive dialogue.
More: link.europa.eu/dMYN3B
In a context marked by nationalism & authoritarianism, the EU must:
🔹 uphold peace, #democracy & rule of law;
🔹 balance economic growth & social cohesion;
🔹 promote #multilateralism & inclusive dialogue.
More: link.europa.eu/dMYN3B
October 15, 2025 at 11:35 AM
We call for a secure, resilient, and strategically autonomous EU. 🇪🇺
One week to go until the @eesc.bsky.social plenary!
Our #EESCPlenary is one week away!
From 21 to 23 October, join us for:
💼 the renewal of our Committee;
✅ votes on opinions on EU values, disability and industry;
📅 our 600th plenary session.
Don’t miss it → link.europa.eu/NDwHvB
#EUCivilSociety
From 21 to 23 October, join us for:
💼 the renewal of our Committee;
✅ votes on opinions on EU values, disability and industry;
📅 our 600th plenary session.
Don’t miss it → link.europa.eu/NDwHvB
#EUCivilSociety
October 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM
One week to go until the @eesc.bsky.social plenary!
October is a month to honour the strength, resilience, and journeys of millions fighting breast cancer.
Behind every ribbon is a life, a story, a fight.
We support the @ec.europa.eu's #EUCancerPlan & call for:
🩷 equal access to treatment;
🩷 support for innovation;
🩷 resilient supply chains;
🩷 investment in the people who make care possible.
More: link.europa.eu/hfB4M6
#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth
We support the @ec.europa.eu's #EUCancerPlan & call for:
🩷 equal access to treatment;
🩷 support for innovation;
🩷 resilient supply chains;
🩷 investment in the people who make care possible.
More: link.europa.eu/hfB4M6
#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth
October 13, 2025 at 1:36 PM
October is a month to honour the strength, resilience, and journeys of millions fighting breast cancer.
Mental health matters.
Mental health matters. 🫂
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we call on policy-makers to make it a top priority.
We advocate for:
🧠 the promotion of mental health literacy;
🧠 an integrated health system;
🧠 an ecosystem of community-based services.
📊EPRS (2023)
Learn more: link.europa.eu/9QcwrF
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we call on policy-makers to make it a top priority.
We advocate for:
🧠 the promotion of mental health literacy;
🧠 an integrated health system;
🧠 an ecosystem of community-based services.
📊EPRS (2023)
Learn more: link.europa.eu/9QcwrF
October 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Mental health matters.
The @eesc.bsky.social is a strong ally of LGBTIQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇪🇺
EU for equality! 🏳️🌈 🇪🇺
With the new @ec.europa.eu #LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy, we renew our call for stronger partnerships with #EUCivilSociety.
We:
🌈 called to make all forms of hate an EU crime;
🌈 fought HIV-related stigma;
🌈 asked for legal help for victims.
Our work: link.europa.eu/KxWdXY
With the new @ec.europa.eu #LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy, we renew our call for stronger partnerships with #EUCivilSociety.
We:
🌈 called to make all forms of hate an EU crime;
🌈 fought HIV-related stigma;
🌈 asked for legal help for victims.
Our work: link.europa.eu/KxWdXY
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The @eesc.bsky.social is a strong ally of LGBTIQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇪🇺
Two weeks to go until the new @eesc.bsky.social President takes office…
Our next plenary is truly special!
We celebrate two milestones:
🇪🇺 Our 600th plenary session.
🇪🇺 #EESCRenewal, which takes place every 5 years.
Together, employers, workers & civil society organisations continue building the bridge between the EU & #EUCivilSociety.
Learn more: link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
We celebrate two milestones:
🇪🇺 Our 600th plenary session.
🇪🇺 #EESCRenewal, which takes place every 5 years.
Together, employers, workers & civil society organisations continue building the bridge between the EU & #EUCivilSociety.
Learn more: link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
October 7, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Two weeks to go until the new @eesc.bsky.social President takes office…
As the use of artificial intelligence grows, so does the spread of disinformation.
Our information ecosystem is under threat.
With #AI on the rise, so is disinformation. Citizens need trustworthy information & must understand how AI works.
At our #EESCPlenary, we called for algorithmic transparency & support for independent journalism.
Read our report: link.europa.eu/FkhvVd
With #AI on the rise, so is disinformation. Citizens need trustworthy information & must understand how AI works.
At our #EESCPlenary, we called for algorithmic transparency & support for independent journalism.
Read our report: link.europa.eu/FkhvVd
October 6, 2025 at 2:54 PM
As the use of artificial intelligence grows, so does the spread of disinformation.
Reposted by Ben Hagard
Ahead of the launch of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, we call for a pact that:
🌊 lets young people's voices shape its development;
🌊 enables sustainable economic growth;
🌊 ensures inclusive & socially stable societies across the #Mediterranean region.
Read more: link.europa.eu/8GbxRm
🌊 lets young people's voices shape its development;
🌊 enables sustainable economic growth;
🌊 ensures inclusive & socially stable societies across the #Mediterranean region.
Read more: link.europa.eu/8GbxRm
October 3, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Ahead of the launch of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, we call for a pact that:
🌊 lets young people's voices shape its development;
🌊 enables sustainable economic growth;
🌊 ensures inclusive & socially stable societies across the #Mediterranean region.
Read more: link.europa.eu/8GbxRm
🌊 lets young people's voices shape its development;
🌊 enables sustainable economic growth;
🌊 ensures inclusive & socially stable societies across the #Mediterranean region.
Read more: link.europa.eu/8GbxRm
Less than three weeks to go until the election of the new @eesc.bsky.social President…
A new president will take the lead!
On 22 October 2025 our members will elect the next president for 2 & a half years term.
The president:
👉 leads our Committee & represents us with EU institutions & other bodies.
👉 is chosen from our 3 groups in rotation.
👉 link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
#EESCRenewal
On 22 October 2025 our members will elect the next president for 2 & a half years term.
The president:
👉 leads our Committee & represents us with EU institutions & other bodies.
👉 is chosen from our 3 groups in rotation.
👉 link.europa.eu/X4fJWg
#EESCRenewal
October 2, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Less than three weeks to go until the election of the new @eesc.bsky.social President…
Europe must remove the remaining barriers within the Single Market.
Europe must remove the remaining barriers within the #SingleMarket.
We support the @ec.europa.eu ambition to make it simpler, more seamless & stronger through the new strategy.
Our mission? To provide citizen-driven input to help make it work on the ground.
More: europa.eu/!rCHwVr
#EESCinAction
We support the @ec.europa.eu ambition to make it simpler, more seamless & stronger through the new strategy.
Our mission? To provide citizen-driven input to help make it work on the ground.
More: europa.eu/!rCHwVr
#EESCinAction
October 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Europe must remove the remaining barriers within the Single Market.
One year of thr @eesc.bsky.social’s Youth Test! 🎂
1 year of our #YouthTest! 🎂
As the first EU institution to launch this tool, we:
✅ ensured youth perspectives are systematically included in our opinion-making;
✅ confirmed that meaningful youth participation is a cornerstone of European integration.
👉 europa.eu/!bqQvMQ
@youthforum.bsky.social
As the first EU institution to launch this tool, we:
✅ ensured youth perspectives are systematically included in our opinion-making;
✅ confirmed that meaningful youth participation is a cornerstone of European integration.
👉 europa.eu/!bqQvMQ
@youthforum.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
One year of thr @eesc.bsky.social’s Youth Test! 🎂
On the International Day against Food Loss and Waste, we call for a food system that is fair, sustainable, and accessible to all.
Food & farming are central to the EU’s future.
On #FLWDay, we call for a food system that is fair, sustainable & accessible.
We support the @ec.europa.eu's proposal to ease the burden on farmers & recommend to:
✅ simplify the #CAP;
✅ build a coherent EU food policy.
More: link.europa.eu/J6HYnN
On #FLWDay, we call for a food system that is fair, sustainable & accessible.
We support the @ec.europa.eu's proposal to ease the burden on farmers & recommend to:
✅ simplify the #CAP;
✅ build a coherent EU food policy.
More: link.europa.eu/J6HYnN
September 29, 2025 at 10:46 AM
On the International Day against Food Loss and Waste, we call for a food system that is fair, sustainable, and accessible to all.
Multilingualism unites us 👍
The European Day of Languages reminds us how important it is to protect multilingualism, especially local & regional languages.
We have interventions in all 2️⃣4️⃣ EU languages during plenary sessions. This year, we welcomed Catalan and Galician too!
#EDL
📊Eurobarometer, May 2024
We have interventions in all 2️⃣4️⃣ EU languages during plenary sessions. This year, we welcomed Catalan and Galician too!
#EDL
📊Eurobarometer, May 2024
September 26, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Multilingualism unites us 👍
It is time to make the right to housing a reality and anchor it in EU law. 🇪🇺
The housing crisis affects us all.
At our last #EESCPlenary, we urged the @ec.europa.eu to take action & create an EU action plan on affordable housing.
We can contribute by:
✔️ issuing key recommendations;
✔️ co-organising an EU Housing Summit.
More: link.europa.eu/vnP8vp
At our last #EESCPlenary, we urged the @ec.europa.eu to take action & create an EU action plan on affordable housing.
We can contribute by:
✔️ issuing key recommendations;
✔️ co-organising an EU Housing Summit.
More: link.europa.eu/vnP8vp
September 25, 2025 at 1:58 PM
It is time to make the right to housing a reality and anchor it in EU law. 🇪🇺
Get more active and embrace healthier lifestyles during the European Week of Sport!
⛹️🤸🤾 What's your move this week?
During the European Week of Sport, we encourage people across Europe and beyond to be more active and embrace healthier lifestyles.
From a morning walk to a team workout, small steps make a big difference.
Did you find your nearest event?
link.europa.eu/8MwcnM
During the European Week of Sport, we encourage people across Europe and beyond to be more active and embrace healthier lifestyles.
From a morning walk to a team workout, small steps make a big difference.
Did you find your nearest event?
link.europa.eu/8MwcnM
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Get more active and embrace healthier lifestyles during the European Week of Sport!