EESC President

From 29 to 31 October, EESC President Oliver Röpke visited Cyprus, where he took part in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of SEK, one of the country’s leading labour organisations. This milestone event underscored the importance of social partnership in shaping the future of work and policy in the EU.

During his visit, President Röpke engaged in bilateral discussions with top Cypriot officials, including Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives and Yiannis Panayiotou, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance.

In his meeting with President Demetriou, the focus was on the essential role of social partners and civil society in protecting democracy, particularly in combating disinformation. Talks with Minister Panayiotou centred on fostering social dialogue and promoting decent work as part of the EESC’s new mandate. Both leaders shared a commitment to advancing an updated action plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, emphasising collaboration with the International Labour Organisation.

President Röpke’s visit highlighted the EESC’s dedication to democratic reform and reinforcing civil society’s influence in EU policymaking. He also spotlighted strategic initiatives such as the Blue Deal, aimed at sustainable water management and the Enlargement Candidate Members initiative, which seeks to integrate EU candidate countries civil society into the EESC work.