Dear members and friends of Femmes d’Europe,
It is a pleasure to share with you and to congratulate all of you on this special occasion. Fifty years of solidarity and commitment is a remarkable achievement. A powerful reflection of what Europe stands for. Because at its core, the European project is about people. Dignity, fairness, and opportunity. It is about ensuring that no one is left behind. And for five decades, you, Femmes d’Europe, have brought these values to life. With your work, you have made a real difference to women, to children, and to communities across Europe and beyond.
Today, we are living through a time of deep transformation. The green and digital transitions are advancing while geopolitical tensions are increasing. These changes bring opportunities. But they also risk increasing inequalities if we do not act carefully.
This is why, in Europe, we speak about a just transition.
- One that creates jobs.
- That equips people with the right skills.
- That ensures everyone benefits.
This is where your work is so important. Because what you do on the ground is what makes this transition real.
- When you support education, you empower the next generation.
- When you create healthy conditions and well-being for the most vulnerable ones, you strengthen communities.
- When you help women gain independence, you unlock talent and opportunity.
These are the foundations of a fair and resilient society.
At the Commission, we are working to reflect these same principles in our policies.
Our objective is clear : to combine sustainability with fairness, and competitiveness with inclusion. But we cannot do this alone. We need partnerships. We need civil society. We need organisations like yours. Your European and multicultural character is a unique strength. It shows that solidarity can cross borders and bring people together.
As you celebrate this anniversary, you can be proud of what you have achieved.
Thousands of lives improved because of your efforts. Many inspired by the values your actions embody. You reach out to the most needed, where public support and other NGOs may have not found the way yet.
Your numbers are impressive : you have funded the equivalent of €12 million and the astonishing number of 2,700 projects :
- from hospital equipment such as the very much needed incubators,
- to education activities or school material,
- or to improvement of water & sanitation conditions, such as vital pumps for drinking water.
With your example in mind, I will continue working to build a Europe that is more inclusive, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.
Thank you for your commitment, your energy, and your work.
Congratulations on 50 years of solidarity.