Resolution of the European Economic and Social Committee – Defending the EU’s values and strengthening its future in the new geopolitical order
Date: 2025-09-18
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: European Union, civil society, deepening of the European Union, democracy, fundamental rights, geopolitics, international relations, multilateral relations, rule of law








C_202600002EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/2


16.1.2026






Resolution of the European Economic and Social Committee
Defending the EU’s values and strengthening its future in the new geopolitical order
(C/2026/2)

Ad-hoc Group Members:

Antje GERSTEIN (Group I)

Winand QUAEDVLIEG (Group I)

Sophia REISECKER (Group II)

Peter SCHMIDT (Group II)

Luca JAHIER (Group III)

Elena-Alexandra CALISTRU (Group III)






Legal basis


Rule 52(4) of the Rules of Procedure




Adopted at plenary session


18.9.2025




Plenary session No


599




Outcome of vote
(for/against/abstentions)


144/1/12




1.   Introduction









1.1.


Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the current US administration are two significant culmination points of a new reality: we are experiencing a drastically changing geopolitical order, fuelled by nationalism and authoritarianism in many places in the world.












1.2.


Now more than ever, the European Union is challenged to navigate and shape its position in the world under these circumstances. Old patterns –based on the idea of global trade and open markets that benefit all players in a more or less peaceful world – are no longer working.












1.3.


The European Union is facing greater challenges than ever: it needs to become a Security Union, and it must work towards resilient strategic autonomy while also significantly improving the global competitiveness of its economy and providing regulatory simplicity and clarity. At the same time, it needs to strengthen social cohesion and provide the framework for the fair distribution of wealth. EU Member States are called upon to reaffirm their foundational commitment to multilateralism and a global consensus of shared values. The risk of global trade being weaponised to achieve certain policy or even security aims has very much been a reality since April 2025, when the US administration announced how it would be imposing tariffs on the rest of the world. This marks a new era, based on dealmaking instead of a rules-based system. This new reality means that the EU also needs resilience in economic terms and must bring its full weight to the negotiating table. At the same time, it must strengthen its bilateral trade partnerships in other parts of the world.












1.4.


These are not new strategic goals – in fact, they must be read as a logical continuation of history with a new sense of urgency. The European Union started as the biggest peace project after World War II, and it now the chance to become a global anchor of stability, rule of law and democracy, which it is prepared to defend. We Europeans have to learn from recent developments around us: instead of fear we need determination and trust: trust in our ability to ensure the continuous evolution of the European project.




2.   Core strategic objectives: Defending the EU’s values and strengthening its future









2.1.


The EESC believes that the European Union has enough power and resilience to withstand these dangerous developments, both inside and outside, but it will require significant effort. The EESC is committed to making use of its exceptional role as the voice of civil society and is prepared to act as a watchdog and moderator: we are firmly convinced that the European Union’s strength lies in its values, liberal democracies and accountable, transparent political structures and decisions. Human and civil rights, universal suffrage, free elections, diversity of political parties, the separation of powers and the rule of law are fundamental pillars. They must not be undermined or sidelined but be the guiding principles when dealing with the new geopolitical order.












2.2.


Therefore, the EESC stresses first and foremost the need to uphold and defend democracy. This appeal goes out to the EU institutions, governments and political parties as well as to companies, trade unions and civil society at large. It is also a message to stakeholders outside the EU.












2.3.


We build our understanding on liberal political philosophy. We call for the following aspects to be considered in every decision made:












2.3.1.



Fundamental rights and the rule of law are the core of any democracy. Everyone – be it an individual human or a legal entity – should have the same weight and importance in political decisions as well as access to justice. Marginalised groups may need extra attention to ensure they get equal treatment. Well-functioning and independent courts are crucial. These principles have not been upheld in all EU Member States in recent years and the EESC calls on the institutions to consistently penalise such developments and invest in capacity-building.












2.3.2.


The Lisbon Treaty aims for a competitive social market economy with the goal of full employment and social progress. The EU’s understanding of economic and social interests is closely interwoven, meaning that neither pure profit nor social expenditure can be the sole objective. We need competitive companies – operating in a level playing field within the EU – as well as social protection and social peace. One fundamental aspect is social dialogue and partnership to balance power, be it at company level or in the political arena.












2.3.3.


In a well-functioning democracy, citizens must enjoy individual liberties and the freedom to express opinions. They must have the means and the opportunity to join associations and civil society organisations. A vibrant civil society is essential for any democracy and limiting their resources not only diminishes citizens’ political voice and shrinks the political space but also undermines social cohesion. While freedom of speech must be defended, swift steps must be taken to fight disinformation and hate speech, especially in the digital space. Our democracies cannot be for sale!












2.3.4.


A return to nationalism and nationalist interests is not an option. The EU’s power in the world is built on cooperation and compromises reflecting different interests – even if such coordination takes longer than a unilateral decision. On the global scale, the EU needs to be part of multilateralism. Although some countries opt out of such commitments, many challenges such as war, climate change or food security can only be solved on a global level.












2.3.5.


In both the economic and political spheres, meaningful involvement by all stakeholders is key. The EU must foster a culture of balancing interests: Nobody’s needs should be denied or sacrificed for another’s just because political majorities enable it. We need to strive for dialogue and solution orientation instead of creating problems. All stakeholders and actors are called upon to actively and wholeheartedly participate in such processes.












2.4.


The EESC acknowledges that the EU – including its political, economic, social and civil society actors – is facing tremendous challenges, but it is not in a hopeless situation. The EESC is optimistic that the problems can be solved, hurdles can be overcome, and challenges can become opportunities. The EU can emerge stronger and more independent, with thriving civil societies, robust economies and social peace within. It is a matter of political will. And the EESC will use its tools to bring the voice of civil society to the decision-makers.






Brussels, 18 September 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/2/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)