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We all enter the New Year with our own hopes, fears and resolutions. As Director of the biggest civil society alliance working for a more social Europe, supported by its citizens for the benefit of all Europeans, I enter 2018 resolved to build on opportunities created in 2017, tackle the roots of the fears that feed the rise of extremism and nationalism, and challenge our own way of working to increase our impact.

In 2017, our hopes have been boosted by the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which demonstrated the highest possible political recognition from all EU institutions and Member States of the need to give a social dimension to the European project. This important progress being made to shift the balance between economic and social priorities, a concrete positive outcome of the December Summit discussions on the EU social dimension would have been a first good step towards implementation. Unfortunately, not only was this agenda item postponed, but the lack of solidarity around the issue of migration made the divisions in Europe more visible again.

For us, a lack of solidarity is not only the consequence, but also the cause of growing fears and doubts in our European societies. As civil society organisations, we are well placed and equipped to demonstrate that solidarity can become the driver of cohesive societies in which people, entrusted to become active players, are the engine of revived economy and democracy.

To contribute towards developing these new participatory societies, join me in making the following resolutions. Firstly, be more proactive to propose new approaches, instead of only reacting in the moment when challenges arise. Secondly, be truly united, accepting that some personal interests must take a back seat when an overarching goal is at stake. Finally, speak less to the converted and more to those whose ideas, views and goals diverge from our own.

With my best wishes for a new year in which fears, fatalism and isolationism are overcome by hope, trust and solidarity!

Best wishes,

Kélig Puyet, Director of Social Platform