Ben Hagard

Head of Unit, European Economic and Social Committee. Tweeting here in a personal capacity. Views are my own. RTs not necessarily endorsements.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Clean Transition + Innovation = New European Bauhaus

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Clean Transition + Innovation = New European Bauhaus

Throughout its implementation, we call for:
🏘️ sustainable and affordable housing;
🏘️ EU countries connecting the EU and local authorities;
🏘️ accessible upskilling opportunities.

#AffordableHousing #EUCivilSociety

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Only 3 days left to vote for us! 🏆🇪🇺

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Our Youth Test is nominated for the #EOAward for Good Administration 2026! 🇪🇺

As the first EU institution to implement the Youth Test, we are leading the way in youth mainstreaming and participation.

Now it’s your turn, vote for us! 🗳️ 👇

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

We need a more affordable, secure and sustainable EU for all. 🇪🇺

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

We need a more affordable, secure and sustainable EU for all.

We advanced key recommendations on energy, digital, and housing.

Next up, our focus turns to:
⚡ energy security and affordability;
💻 clearer digital spaces;
🏠 affordable housing with family-oriented policiesWe need a more affordable, secure and sustainable EU for all.

We advanced key recommendations on energy, digital, and housing.

Next up, our focus turns to:
⚡ energy security and affordability;
💻 clearer digital spaces;
🏠 affordable housing with family-oriented policiesWe need a more affordable, secure and sustainable EU for all.

We advanced key recommendations on energy, digital, and housing.

Next up, our focus turns to:
⚡ energy security and affordability;
💻 clearer digital spaces;
🏠 affordable housing with family-oriented policiesWe need a more affordable, secure and sustainable EU for all.

We advanced key recommendations on energy, digital, and housing.

Next up, our focus turns to:
⚡ energy security and affordability;
💻 clearer digital spaces;
🏠 affordable housing with family-oriented policies.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

One week to go until our next plenary session…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Our next #EESCPlenary is coming up soon! ✨

On 17-18 June, our members and guests will discuss:
📄 opinions on fisheries, waste exports & Eastern border regions;
🗣️ sustainable & climate-neutral future for EU;
💧advancing water resilience.

#EUCivilSociety

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Towards Europe’s energy independence…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

We welcome the @EU_Commission's decision to provide additional fiscal flexibility for energy-related investments. 🇪🇺

This step is fully aligned with our recent opinion on the Grids Package, recognising energy infrastructure as a strategic asset for Europe’s security. ↓

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Today we celebrate the heartbeat of our planet…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

On @WorldOceansDay, we recognise one of nature's greatest wonders and its essential role for our own existence.

We call for:
🌊stronger cooperation between policymakers, scientists & coastal communities;
🌊an ocean governance that puts #EUCivilSociety, science & nature first.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Safe food starts with smart policies.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

On #WorldFoodSafetyDay, we reaffirm that food safety is a shared responsibility.

We continue to focus on:
🔸 high food safety standards;
🔸 stronger civil society participation;
🔸 responsible innovation in agriculture.

@FAO

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Civil society is essential for building trust between the EU and the Western Balkans.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Civil society is essential for building trust between the EU & the Western Balkans. 🇪🇺

#EUEnlargement strengthens our security, economy, and democratic resilience. We held a conference to discuss the benefits of enlargement to citizens in the EU and in the Western Balkans. ↓

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

The EU needs a strong, coherent #Bioeconomy strategy.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

The EU needs a strong, coherent #Bioeconomy strategy to break fossil fuel dependence & protect our biodiversity.

On #WorldEnvironmentDay, we call for:
🌳 a strategy firmly anchored in the #EUGreenDeal;
🌳 clear sustainability safeguards;
🌳 prioritising the waste hierarchy.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

A circular Europe is not a future ambition or simply an environmental imperative: it is a strategic necessity.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

The European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform conference showed that circularity is an environmental imperative & a strategic necessity. It will only scale if it becomes a key part of the #SingleMarket.

We keep working for a just transition with #EUCivilSociety at its coreThe European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform conference showed that circularity is an environmental imperative & a strategic necessity. It will only scale if it becomes a key part of the #SingleMarket.

We keep working for a just transition with #EUCivilSociety at its coreThe European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform conference showed that circularity is an environmental imperative & a strategic necessity. It will only scale if it becomes a key part of the #SingleMarket.

We keep working for a just transition with #EUCivilSociety at its coreThe European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform conference showed that circularity is an environmental imperative & a strategic necessity. It will only scale if it becomes a key part of the #SingleMarket.

We keep working for a just transition with #EUCivilSociety at its core.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Where will your next cycling adventure take you?

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Happy #WorldBicycleDay!

For many years, we have promoted cycling culture across Europe and supported:
🚲 more investment in cycling infrastructure;
🚲 more space in public transport;
🚲 high-quality cycling networks.

Prepare for your next adventure with our cycling lexicon. �Happy #WorldBicycleDay!

For many years, we have promoted cycling culture across Europe and supported:
🚲 more investment in cycling infrastructure;
🚲 more space in public transport;
🚲 high-quality cycling networks.

Prepare for your next adventure with our cycling lexicon. �Happy #WorldBicycleDay!

For many years, we have promoted cycling culture across Europe and supported:
🚲 more investment in cycling infrastructure;
🚲 more space in public transport;
🚲 high-quality cycling networks.

Prepare for your next adventure with our cycling lexicon. �Happy #WorldBicycleDay!

For many years, we have promoted cycling culture across Europe and supported:
🚲 more investment in cycling infrastructure;
🚲 more space in public transport;
🚲 high-quality cycling networks.

Prepare for your next adventure with our cycling lexicon. 👇

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

How can nature power Europe’s prosperity? 🌿🌍

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

How can nature power the EU’s prosperity? 🌿

Join our @EUgreenweek partner event, organised together with @EU_ENV.

Policymakers, experts & stakeholders are coming together to explore solutions for:
🌾sustainable agriculture;
🏙️greener, resilient urban spaces.

@CSOGroupEESC

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Pride Month is not only a celebration of love, identity, courage, and community. It is also a reminder that, every day of the year, we must work to make Europe a place where everyone can live freely, openly, and authentically.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Ensuring #LGBTIQ+ people's safety & rights in the EU is not optional.

We support the @EU_Commission's LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 & call for:
🌈 stronger action against discrimination, harassment & exclusion;
🌈 an EU-wide ban on conversion practices.

@EU_Justice

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Vote for the @EU_EESC‘s Youth Test initiative to win the Award for Good Administration!

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

We are nominated for the #EOAward for Good Administration 2026 for our Youth Test initiative!

Co-created with the @Youth_Forum, we are the first EU institution to implement it & leading the way in youth mainstreaming and participation.

Now it’s your turn, vote for us! 🗳️ 👇

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Save the date…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Europe is worth celebrating: let's do it together! 🇪🇺

On 9th May, the doors of our Committee and of the @EU_CoR will be open to let you:
🇪🇺 discover how we help shape EU policies;
🇪🇺 enjoy a festive atmosphere, live music... & much more!

📍Rue Belliard 99–101.

#EuropeDay

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Our #EESCPlenary is live now! 🚀

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Our #EESCPlenary is live now! 🚀

What is on the agenda today?
🌍 EU's competitiveness with @eucopresident;
🏳️‍🌈 advancing LGBTIQ+ rights;
🤖 Cybersecurity Act;

... and more!

👉 Tune in here: https://t.co/Y2frwEQqNg

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

This week’s @EU_EESC plenary will vote key recommendations on #EUCompetitiveness, the #SingleMarket, culture, LGBTIQ+ rights and more!

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Tomorrow is the day: our #EESCPlenary kicks off!

Our members will vote key recommendations on #EUCompetitiveness, the #SingleMarket, culture, LGBTIQ+ rights and more!

Some of our guests:
🇪🇺 @eucopresident;
🇪🇺 European Commissioner @GlennMicallef;
🇺🇳 @IESOGI Graeme Reid.

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Lots of important topics on the #EESCPlenary agenda this week…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Just 3 days left until our next #EESCPlenary! 🇪🇺

During this session, our members & guests will address key issues such as:
🌍 the new geopolitical order & #EUCompetitiveness;
🚀 EU startups and innovation;
🎭 culture for Europe;
💶 the #SingleMarket;
& more!

Don’t miss it!👇

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Key takeaways from the European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform…

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

The European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform just ended.

Some key takeaways:
⚖️The Circular Economy Act is expected to boost secondary raw materials while reinforcing Europe's #StrategicAutonomy;
🤝#EUCivilSociety is key to turn circular ambitions into action;
& more.�The European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform just ended.

Some key takeaways:
⚖️The Circular Economy Act is expected to boost secondary raw materials while reinforcing Europe's #StrategicAutonomy;
🤝#EUCivilSociety is key to turn circular ambitions into action;
& more.�The European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform just ended.

Some key takeaways:
⚖️The Circular Economy Act is expected to boost secondary raw materials while reinforcing Europe's #StrategicAutonomy;
🤝#EUCivilSociety is key to turn circular ambitions into action;
& more.�The European #CircularEconomy Stakeholder Platform just ended.

Some key takeaways:
⚖️The Circular Economy Act is expected to boost secondary raw materials while reinforcing Europe's #StrategicAutonomy;
🤝#EUCivilSociety is key to turn circular ambitions into action;
& more.👇

[Ben Hagard @bhagard]

Energy must be seen as a public good.

[European Economic and Social Committee @EU_EESC]

Powering EU’s future starts with strong, smart and secure electricity grids.

Our opinion adopted at our March plenary calls for:
🔸 stronger EU coordination in grid governance;
🔸 more decentralised energy support;
🔸 increased EU funding.

#AffordableEnergy @Energy4Europe