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United for the future of Europe: the new president is determined to rebuild the EESC's unity and reputation and demonstrate its added value in influencing policy shaping at EU level!

Follow the 555th Plenary session - 27-29 Oct. 2020!

EESC Newsletter - October 2020 (edition: renewal)

The challenges of contemporary participatory democracy in a Europe that is rebuilding itself: an initial contribution from the Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions to the Conference on the Future of Europe.​​​​​​​

At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a resolution with its proposals for the post-COVID-19 crisis reconstruction and recovery. Under the slogan 'the EU must be guided by the principle of being considered a community of common destiny', the adopted text suggests taking the opportunity presented by the crisis to build a new societal model: “We cannot simply restore what existed in the past: we need to restructure and improve it.”

Ahead of the Eurogroup meeting on 7 April 2020, the European Economic and Social Committee has adopted a declaration calling for timely and urgent responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with the public health concerns and the political, economic and social consequences of the crisis, the EESC Members, as representatives of organised civil society, are united in stressing the crucial need for joint and prompt action.

The COVID-19 outbreak has turned into a fast-moving emergency, figures and measures are constantly changing across Europe and the world, affecting all levels of society. Not since the end of the Second World War, has the global community faced such a dramatic crisis. No government in Europe or elsewhere can possibly think to solve such a pandemic alone. All the Member States must come together, to support each other and to coordinate a concerted action. A piecemeal approach by the individual Member States is a sure recipe for disaster.

Arno Metzler, Chairman of the EESC Group III, is a guest of the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council. Mr Metzler is visiting Sofia for a conference organised by the EESC at the Western Balkans National Assembly: A clear roadmap for progress.

“Circular Economy - Features and Opportunities” is the topic of the latest opinion adopted by the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council in 2019. During the plenary discussion ESC members identified the circular economy as a topic "from" and "about" the future that is not so well known to the public but should find its place in public awareness, including by disseminating knowledge and information about it.