Témoignage

The Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) is a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to EU advocacy -- the effort to influence those in positions of power to promote the common good. It's a complex and far-reaching mission with the potential to amplify the voices of those without strong political representation and reshape narratives that affect millions of lives. We cannot remain silent in a world where the balance too often tilts in favour of those chasing wealth and influence. For us, this work is more than just a professional responsibility—it is a deeply personal mission. Let me share two of our key projects that I believe have real potential to drive meaningful change.

Food Policy

Food is more than just sustenance—it is the foundation of our culture, health, and community. Yet, it's easy to overlook how our food reaches us, who produces it, where, and under what conditions. Recent farmer protests across the EU have exposed serious flaws in the system. To build resilient and sustainable food chains that ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food—while also guaranteeing fair compensation for producers—we need a comprehensive solution.

We believe faith-based organisations (FBOs) have a unique role in this effort; this inspired the creation ofOur Daily Bread -- a network of faith-based organisations (FBOs) dedicated to promoting sustainable food systems. The initiative emerged from JESC's research, which identified and mapped 150 FBOs across the EU engaged in various food-related efforts. By bringing these organisations together, we aim to amplify our collective impact and enhance our advocacy in food policy.

Future Generations Initiative

The second far-reaching project that advocates for an EU fit for future generations is rooted in the belief that we hold a profound responsibility towards those who will inherit the consequences of our decisions. Current political systems tend to represent only present generations, yet future generations will bear the long-term impacts of the policiespassed today. Just as our ancestors planted trees not for themselves but for their grandchildren, we must critically examine the policies we implement now and their implications for the years to come.

This poses a unique dilemma for our modern democracies: how can we effectively represent the interests of those who have yet to be born?

To find answers to this question at the EU level, JESC, in collaboration with The Good Lobby, spearheaded theFuture Generations Initiative -- an NGO coalition of 24 members to campaign on this important issue together.

Several EU member states have already set positive examples by establishing representatives or institutions dedicated to the interests of future generations. Our initiative aims to introduce similar, tailored measures at the EU level.

It was deeply gratifying to see one of our demands come to fruition with the appointment of an EUCommissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport in July. With the right tools and approach, this mandate has the potential to transform our short-term policymaking into a long-term vision.

How does it become a personal undertaking?

The realisation that we are the first generation who will not be better off than our parents poses a significant challenge in the search for meaning in our lives. We must break the intergenerational cycle of poorly designed infrastructure that harms the environment, damages relationships, and perpetuates injustices that have become the norm -- this is the only way forward. A new paradigm is essential—one that critically examines the building blocks of existing systems and addresses fundamental questions about the nature of growth, well-being, future preparedness, and who benefits from our collective efforts.

We warmly invite all who feel called to help transform the current paradigm to add their voices to ours.