Priorities of the newly elected EESC President Christa Schweng

A vision for a stronger and more resilient post-COVID Europe
Since the end of October I have been the new president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). My term of office will be marked by COVID-19. We live in times of uncertainty and economic and social hardship, in which businesses struggle to survive and workers lose their jobs. More than ever, we need to join forces and develop a joint vision for a new, post-COVID Europe.

The European Union should prosper economically, be socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. It should provide sound conditions for all of civil society to thrive and live in open, values-based democracies.

My key priorities include a well-functioning Single Market, free and fair trade, safeguarding employment and income for all workers, adequate training and education, migration, a European Health Union, upholding our common European values, putting people at the centre of digitalisation and the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as rebuilding trust within and outside the EESC.

The EESC will focus on supporting the active contribution of civil society actors to this overarching vision of Europe. We will provide valuable expertise to policymakers for a more participatory Europe and policies that are more effective and which tie in better with the economic, social and civic situations on the ground. The EESC will do its utmost to contribute to Europe’s recovery and future resilience.
I look forward to work closely together with you to achieve this vision.