Dear readers,

This October marks a new beginning for the European Economic and Social Committee, with more than 40% of members being new to the Committee.
The new members have been appointed and the next five-year mandate of the EESC is about to begin. The arrival of new members, with their unique expertise and fresh enthusiasm, has always been a major source of inspiration for the EESC.

This new political term starts at a time when the challenges facing Europe and the European Union are greater than ever. The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to wreak havoc across the continent, causing major health, social and economic crises. To add to this, the EU also finds itself in an extremely challenging geo-political environment.

The Committee makes a major contribution to achieving the priorities of the European Union by putting the citizen at the heart of its opinions and activities. Today, more than ever before, we must ensure that the voice of civil society is heard on the European stage when new policies and initiatives are drawn up. The Committee will work on key policy areas that really matter to people, including a stronger European Health Union, the European Green Deal, human rights and rule of law, the new pact for migration, and the digital transformation and the consequences of Brexit. We will debate a number of policy proposals that clearly demonstrate the need for all levels of governance to work closely together.

The EESC will play its role to the fullest by working in the Member States, by maintaining and developing its network of contacts with national and European civil society organisations, and by placing the emphasis on listening to the real experiences and aspirations of the public and of businesses.

This will be possible with the expertise already in place but also thanks to you! Your commitment, tireless input and your work as ambassadors provides genuine perspective and real added value to the Committee's activities. Hand in hand with other institutions, we can act together and find joint, cohesive solutions.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members from all over Europe. I wish you all the best for the next five years, which will be decisive for the future of the European Union and of our Committee. 

Gianluca Brunetti

EESC Secretary-general