Research Area: European & International Affairs

  • NESC Workshop at Civil Society Week 2026: Social Cohesion

    NESC Workshop at Civil Society Week 2026: Social Cohesion

    On 2 March 2026, participants at Civil Society Week contributed to a consultation workshop on social cohesion, designed and co-delivered by NESC. Organised in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the event considered rising inequalities, democratic backsliding, geopolitical instability, and their implications for social cohesion across Europe.

    In the NESC session, What holds us together: the power of social cohesion, participants engaged in a World Café format, rotating between tables and questions to inform discussion and develop recommendations. The session was moderated by Conrad Toft (EESC) and opened by EESC Secretary-General Isabelle Le Galo Flores. The discussion was introduced with definitions and framing on social cohesion provided by Colette Bennett (Policy Analyst, NESC), drawing on the Council’s ongoing work.

    Approximately 150 participants identified key elements of social cohesion, including dignity, inclusiveness, participatory decision making, equal opportunities, trust, and shared values.

    Participants also reflected on how social cohesion is experienced at different levels. At national level, 46% assessed social cohesion as poor or very poor, 50% as average, and 4% as good or excellent. At EU level, 30% selected poor or very poor, 54% average, and 16% good or excellent.

    World Café discussions – Three themes:

    1) Trust, legitimacy and democracy

    Participants emphasised that trust is central to social cohesion, and noted that perceptions of exclusion and distrust vary across countries and social groups, with older people, migrants, people with disabilities, and residents in disadvantaged rural areas frequently identified as being at greater risk of feeling left out. Participants also noted that social media and disinformation can deepen divisions and may be exploited by populist narratives, highlighting education as a long-term measure to build resilience to misinformation. These points were reflected in contributions from Daniela Dimitrova (Chief Economist, ESC Bulgaria) and Adelina Dabu (EESC Member; ESC Romania).

    2) The left behind: Poverty, discrimination and new risks

    Participants highlighted the need to address poverty and discrimination. They identified groups at higher risk of exclusion, including people with disabilities, migrants, people living in isolated rural areas or disadvantaged urban areas, and veterans. Participants noted that discrimination, including on the basis of race, age, religion, or disability, can undermine trust in social and political systems. Emerging risks were also discussed, including how AI may affect job security and amplify mis- and disinformation, alongside pressures linked to climate change, demographic change, and access to water. These themes were summarised by Colette Bennett (NESC), and the importance of shared values and changing patterns of poverty were also highlighted by Dimitris Bimpas (Scientific Advisor, ESC Greece).

    3) Intergenerational fairness

    Participants discussed intergenerational fairness, noting that unresolved intra-generational inequalities can contribute to tensions between age groups. They emphasised the importance of strong social and human rights, alongside clear labour rights and responsibilities. Participants also pointed to pension and social security sustainability, the implications of longevity, and the need to consider changes to working patterns. Migration was recognised as important for economic development, while the need for effective integration policies was also noted. Proposed directions included knowledge transfer between generations, empowering young people, digital skills exchange, social security reform, improved communication, and expanding the ERASMUS programme to businesses. These outcomes were presented by Luís Pais Antunes (President, ESC Portugal).

    Conclusion

    Participants identified shared challenges and priorities for strengthening social cohesion across Member States, emphasising the interdependence of trust in democratic institutions, effective action to prevent groups being left behind, and measures to support intergenerational fairness. Participants also highlighted the value of structured dialogue between civil society and social partners in developing practical approaches that are responsive to different national contexts.

    The session outputs informed the Civil Society Week Conclusions, Next steps for a democratic and resilient future, and will also contribute to NESC’s ongoing work on social cohesion.

  • NESC Attends Annual Meeting of ESCs in Warsaw, Poland

    NESC Attends Annual Meeting of ESCs in Warsaw, Poland

    Noel Cahill, centre middle, with fellow representatives of the individual Councils and the EESC.

    Last week our Economist Noel Cahill travelled to Warsaw to represent NESC Ireland at the Annual Meeting of the Economic and Social Councils of the EU, and of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Noel and the representatives of the other 12 Member States in attendance participated in discussions on affordable housing, fair and modern working conditions, and the continued necessity of social progress throughout the EU. On this last point, the delegates reaffirmed their commitment to policies that are both inclusive and sustainable. This will no doubt form part of the discussion when we welcome the ESCs to Dublin for next year’s Annual Meeting and wider conference event, with the topic of ‘Social Cohesion’ forming the agenda.

    Please sign up to our mailing list here so you don’t miss out on any updates relating to this upcoming event.

    For more on the 2025 Annual Meeting, please click here.

     

  • ‘Policy must be seen to be able to address structural challenges’ – NESC Remarks to the EESC on 15/4/25

    ‘Policy must be seen to be able to address structural challenges’ – NESC Remarks to the EESC on 15/4/25

    The NESC Secretariat told a meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) that more work is needed to address infrastructure and services deficits, to manage transitions, and to ultimately improve the lived experiences of people.

    On 15th April, the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) of the EESC met to finalise its recommendations on the reform and investment proposals formulated as part of the 2024-2025 European Semester cycle. The meeting brought together representatives from EU Institutions, national economic and social councils, and decision-makers for a discussion of the findings, providing an opportunity to exchange views and to share experiences (to view the event programme please click here).

    Dr Cathal FitzGerald, NESC Senior Analyst, provided the meeting with a summary of the process in Ireland. NESC hosted a roundtable on these issues in January, where discussions focused on national reform, as well as investment proposals and their implementation, as part of a wide consultation across EU Member States. The report of this meeting can be accessed here.

    “The priorities identified by the European Commission in the country-specific recommendations are seen as positive. Sound fiscal policies remain important for long-term financial stability and growth,” Dr FitzGerald said. However, he added that “at the same time, such policies must result in better lived experiences for cohorts of citizens, in terms of healthcare, equality, inclusion, better work, and combatting poverty.”

    “Policy reform and investment must be able to – and be seen to be able to – address structural challenges in social protection, energy, infrastructure, and people-centred services. In parallel, public policy must be an effective vehicle for the green transition and environmental goals,” Dr FitzGerald told the EESC meeting. “Meaningful civil society consultation, realistic timeframes, and active follow-up will help. As will greater transparency in the decision-making process, including access to plans prior to submission. Clear guidance on consultation, not tick box exercises, is needed. And civil society needs to see how their views have impacted on decisions,” he concluded.

     

    The EESC’s final recommendations on reform and investment will be posted here.

  • Re-finding Success in Europe: The Challenge for Irish Institutions and Policy