50 jaar EESC: onderzoek het verleden voor toekomstige inspiratie (en)

CES/08/47

Brussels, 29 May 2008

50 years of the EESC: look into the past for future inspiration

On 28 May 2008, 50 years after the creation of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), current EU leaders, former EESC presidents and young Europeans from different European countries gathered in Brussels for a commemorative plenary session to celebrate its birthday. This special plenary session included a discussion of young Europeans and EESC members on the challenges facing the European Union and the EESC.

The plenary session was opened by EESC President Dimitris Dimitriadis, who stressed that in the past 50 years, the EESC has played an important role as bridge between the European institutions and organised civil society providing a visible and tangible contribution to the European Union’s legislative process. He assured that the EESC will continue to work closely with the EU institutions and European citizens. 'One of the main challenges facing the EESC is to reinforce its presence in the debate on the future of Europe regarding the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon and to make its work more transparent and more available for citizens', he said.

In his key address, Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, highlighted the great added value of the EESC opinions and its members as a major repository of expertise based on the local experience. He underlined the importance of solidarity in achieving European goals and of social dialogue at the European level. 'Our common task is to build a common future', stressed Mr Pöttering.

Mrs Marjeta Cotman, Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs - representing the Presidency of the Council in office -, stated that the EESC brings the EU policies closer to citizens. 'We need constructive dialogue and partnership synergies to achieve all challenges facing the European Union', she added.

Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, underlined that this celebration marked the sustainability of the core values of the European Project. 'The EESC is an indispensable partner for other institutions', said the President, adding that the Lisbon Treaty, once ratified, will enhance the EESC's role.

Mr Luc van den Brande, President of the Committee of Regions, pointed out that consultation is becoming a key element of the European decision making process. He stressed the importance of working together for the future development of a Europe of better quality. 'Let's build Europe in partnership!' he concluded.

Four former EESC presidents: Mrs Susanne Tiemann (1992-1994), Mr Tom Jenkins (1996-1998), Mr Göke Frerichs (2000-2002) and Mr Roger Briesch (2002-2004) as well as the presidents of the EESC Groups: Mr Henry Malosse (Employers), Mr Mario Sepi (Employees) and Mr Staffan Nilsson (Various Interests) contributed to the debate.

Youth Declaration: "The EESC and the future of the EU project: the youth perspective"

In the second part of the plenary session, EESC members and young Europeans (members of the European Youth Forum and EESC trainees) discussed the Youth Declaration, a document containing a vision for the future of the EU and the EESC projects. The young people called on the EU and the EESC to concentrate on issues such as globalisation, ageing population, climate change, sustainable development, and gender equality. They also called for reinforcing participatory democracy in a stronger partnership between all stakeholders in European governance. 'It is only by fostering synergies between stakeholders and political bodies that we can respond to the perceived democratic deficit and thus help to encourage Europeans to take ownership of the EU project', concludes the document.