Italy’s Luca Jahier has been elected as the 32nd president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), which he will head for the next two and a half years, together with his two new vice-presidents, Milena Angelova (Bulgaria) for budget and Isabel Caño Aguilar (Spain) for communication.
In an inspiring speech, delivered on 18 April at the EESC plenary, which marked the end of the presidency of Georges Dassis, the new president set out the four priorities of his programme: sustainable development, promotion of peace, strengthening the role of culture and giving a voice to Europe’s young people.
“I invite all of you to join me in a strong civic engagement for our sustainable European future. I invite you to dream with me of a re-energised Europe and to work together for a second European Renaissance!” Mr Jahier told the 350-member body, which following the appointment of its new Bureau stands as a shining example of gender equality, with many senior positions filled by women.
Europe – still plagued by high levels of poverty and the unresolved migration crisis, as well as by the low levels of trust in democratic institutions – would benefit from a powerful humanistic revolution and a transformation similar to that of the Renaissance, Mr Jahier added, hoping that his four priorities “for a unifying agenda for the future” could give this “rEUnaissance” a real chance.
Commending the work of his predecessor, Mr Dassis, on important issues such as migration, the social pillar and the future of Europe, Mr Jahier said he would continue on this path and would strive to further improve the EESC's role in fighting against nationalistic and populist trends as well as addressing the shrinking civic space.
"For the Europe of tomorrow, we must have the courage; we must dare to imagine a new world. There is no time to waste, as so many defeats in history can be summarised in two words: too late," Mr Jahier concluded.
In their inaugural speeches, the two vice-presidents talked about the importance of the EESC's work.
"The EESC has a unique and key role to play here, being in a position to present the balanced view of the social partners and organised civil society on how to work together more effectively to achieve a more united and more federal Europe," said Ms Angelova.
Ms Caño Aguilar, said: "The Committee is the real point of dialogue, the bridge between the European institutions and the machinery that keeps everything moving. And in this role, we must listen and speak out."
Watch Luca Jahier's inaugural speech following his election as the new president of the EESC. (ll)
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