As 2020 finally draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all EGU members for your enthusiastic support of the many new initiatives the Union has implemented during this most unusual year. Thanks to your help, and the assistance of thousands of volunteers, our dedicated meeting organisers at Copernicus, and the office staff, EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online was a huge success despite the very short timeframe we had to plan and implement it.

In addition, this year EGU published more than 3,300 peer-reviewed articles in our 19 open-access journals; developed numerous equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, including an EDI logo; began a popular webinar series; conferred more than 50 medals and awards; and initiated a governance review. The Union also implemented a new programme of Higher Education teaching grants; highlighted the importance of science to achieving the EU Green Deal targets; and launched EGUsphere, an interactive open-access platform for the Earth, planetary, and space science community.

The new year promises still more initiatives, most notably vEGU21: Gather Online. This virtual General Assembly, to be held from 19-30 April, will feature a completely new platform and innovative ways for you to engage with the rest of the EGU community, discover novel methods to share your science, and find renewed inspiration. As part of the Union’s ongoing efforts to increase the accessibility of our meetings, EGU is offering the most extensive scheme of annual meeting registration fee waivers and reductions in Union history.

If you’re considering attending, please renew your EGU membership and check your membership login details by 8 January so that you’re ready to submit your abstract by 13 January at 13:00 CET! Membership entitles to you discounted vEGU21 registration as well as many other benefits. These include the ability to nominate candidates for the prestigious EGU medals and awards (nominations open on 1 January!), stand for a position in the EGU Council, vote in EGU elections, and apply for conference and training school funding and EGU Public Engagement Grants.

On behalf of the entire EGU Council, we thank you for your contributions during this historic year and look forward to all the positive benefits that 2021 will bring.

Wishing you peace and good health this holiday season,

Alberto Montanari, EGU President
Helen Glaves, EGU Vice-President