Amid a “global instability” context, the “peace project known as the European Union must respond with agility and strength,” stated Séamus Boland during the inaugural session of the new mandate of the European Economic and Social Committee, held today at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Irishman reminded that the community bloc is “a union of 27 member states,” urging that they should “listen to each other,” emphasizing that the “great strength of Europe” lies in maintaining the “values of equality and inclusion” and “building strong economies.”
Boland further stated that the European project is “a target” because it is democratic and not a dictatorship. “We are not a dictatorship, and dictatorships like to take us down because they hate what we do. They hate collegiality, democracy because it is difficult,” he stressed, comparing democracy to “a fragile flower” that should be defended “at all times” and through civil society.
“The fragile flower of democracy and now European democracy is still fragile, and we have to be very careful so that this fragile flower can grow and strengthen,” reinforced the successor of Oliver Röpke as the president of the EESC, for a term ending in 2028.
In his speech, Boland also promised to be “a strong voice” in defending “the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized” and said his presidency prioritizes a “people-centered approach,” also referencing the three pillars of his program: opportunities, security, and resilience.
“I want civil society to be at the heart of Europe,” he reiterated, insisting on the need to combat poverty and respond to the “emergency” of the housing crisis that is ravaging Europe.
The new president of the EESC also referred to the situation in the Gaza Strip, highlighting that, “after two years of suffering and loss of lives,” he hopes to open “a new chapter of peace and reconstruction.”
“But this new chapter will not be easy,” he warned, expressing his belief that civil society will help drive the reconstruction of Gaza.
Alongside the president and vice-presidents, the inaugural session also featured various speeches from several personalities (either in person or by video), including the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Younus Omarjeen.
Established in 1957, the European Economic and Social Committee is an advisory body consisting of 329 representatives from employers’ organizations, workers, and civil society from the 27 EU member states.
This Committee, whose new presidency was inaugurated on Wednesday, issues opinions on various topics addressed to the European Commission, Council, and the European Parliament.
The members of the European Economic and Social Committee are appointed by national governments and nominated by the EU Council for renewable five-year terms, with the committee electing “a bureau made up of a president and two vice-presidents, chosen by rotation among the three groups,” as stated on its official website.
