News Blog - Dubravka Šuica

Three years ago, we made a promise. We presented an EU Comprehensive Strategy on the Rights of the Child and a European Child Guarantee, developed together with children for children. We started from the principle that every child in Europe and across the world should enjoy the same rights.

We have steadfastly refused to let Europe drift into a precarious future. Through the Demography Toolbox communication of October last year, we initiated the first holistic approach to demography across the Commission, transcending traditional siloes and fostering a unified, comprehensive strategy.

This op-ed emphasizes the importance of trust, engagement, and future-proofing our democratic practices, alongside maintaining a robust market economy capable of withstanding competitive pressures.

Op-Ed by Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica

Europe is on the brink of a demographic revolution. This shift, coupled with overall population- and work force shrinkage, demands a profound rethinking of our institutional, political, economic, and cultural frameworks, since they are designed for shorter lifespans.

This week's adoption of the Defence of Democracy Package is a bold step forward. It ensures the integrity of our elections, combats foreign interference and upholds our values of democracy and freedom.

It has been a while since my last blog and the weeks since have been very busy! During this time, I have continued my tour of EU Member States. I always try to meet a broad spectrum of stakeholders during these missions.

2022 became the year in which war returned to the European continent, just as we were slowly emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference on the Future of Europe

There is a sense of deep change in the air. When you feel that you are witnessing a significant moment in time. A sense that no matter what has passed before, or whatever passes afterwards, life will never quite be the same.

“The future is in your hands” resonated through the halls of the Commission HQ, the Berlaymont, on the 13th of July.

We have all experienced first-hand the effects of Covid-19 and in rural areas this has been felt even stronger with isolation being a big worry for both old and young in rural areas.

When reflecting on Europe Day, one of the most important days that binds our common history, our present and future, I cannot help but feel honored and humbled to be able to contribute to the construction of the European project.

The EU is certainly one of the best places for a child to grow up: enjoying rights, opportunities and security. But this is not the case for all children, and there is more that can and needs to be done.

Children often bear the brunt of crises, but are rarely the first to speak out.

I can barely believe that a year has passed; so many things have happened.

As our Report on the Impact of Demographic Change shows, people are living longer and healthier lives.

After an unusual summer break, an untypical back-to-school period is following. As millions of children across the European Union returned to school, packing schoolbags this year meant including hand sanitizers, facemasks and carefully reading the security and hygiene instructions.

As we slowly and cautiously emerge from confinement across Europe, our work continues its fast-paced rhythm towards the recovery in response to COVID-19.