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.
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
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 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇪🇺