Pilot exchange programme to develop working relations among and with the National Economic and Social Councils (of the EU)

In its 2022 Communication Strategy, the EESC set a new goal of facilitating closer collaboration with the national Economic and Social Councils (NESCs). In practice, the aim is to build stronger synergies, streamline joint actions and increase the EESC's civil society reach in the Member States.

To achieve this goal, the EESC has launched a pilot exchange programme to develop working relations among and with the NESCs. This programme will enable a more regular exchange on working topics, methods and good practices. It also seeks to inspire the EESC's and NESCs' activities by disseminating the newly learned skills during the exchanges among their respective members and staff.

Harnessing the momentum between the annual meetings of the presidents and secretaries-general, the programme is expected to boost the relevance of the conclusions sent to the EU institutions. Moreover, it is also expected to enhance the spirit of unity among representatives of organised civil society in the EU and foster common solutions to shared challenges.

The exchange programme includes two options:

• on-site visits (EESC or national ESC members going in person to meet their counterparts)
• on-line exchanges (enhanced cooperation through online meetings).

In both cases, the participating institutions nominate members (rapporteurs, members in charge of specific topics, presidents of bodies) to work with their counterparts on matters of joint interest and/or with a European dimension.

The CSS unit’s secretariat (EESC-ESCS-relations@eesc.europa.eu) is at your disposal for any questions you may have.

Types of exchanges within the framework of the pilot exchange programme EESC/NESCs

Exchange Type 1 – EESC member/s visiting an EU ESC 

• 12 EESC members per year, for up to one week per visit
• Outcome: a written report by the EESC member for the relevant section/CCMI

Exchange Type 2 – EU ESC member/s visiting EESC 

• 12 visits per year, for up to one week per visit 
• The meetings as part of this exchange programme may be held on-site at the EESC or hosted online.
• Outcome: a written report by the visiting member from an EU ESC for the relevant section/CCMI

Exchange Type 3 – EU ESC staff visiting EESC 

• 12 visits per year, depending on availability of resources 
• Outcome: a report by participating staff

Exchange Type 4 – EESC staff visiting EU ESC 

• 6 visits by 1 EESC staff member per visit
• Outcome: a report by the EESC staff member for the EESC secretary-general

Exchange Type 5 – EU ESC member or staff visiting another EU ESC 

• Information on this exchange type to be shared with the EESC