Change of presidency at the EESC

The new EESC leadership eyes democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law as the pillars of its presidency

Vlad Palcu, 27.04.2023, 18:25

This week the European Economic and Social Committee elected Austrias Oliver Röpke as its new president. Joining him at the helm of the EESC will be Krzysztof Pater (Poland) as vice-president for the budget and Aurel Laurenţiu Plosceanu (Romania) as vice-president for communication.

In his inauguration speech, Oliver Röpke promised to make the EESC a true civil society gateway and open its doors to the EU accession countries. According to the agenda of his presidency, which will run under the motto “Stand up for democracy, speak up for Europe”, the Committee is expected will take on a more active role to stand up for democracy and strive for a more resilient, prosperous and inclusive Europe in the run-up to the 2024 European elections.

Attending the event, Eugen Cojocariu spoke to European Ombudsman Emily OReilly about the change of leadership and the Ombudsmans role in dealing with the challenges generated by the war in Ukraine, as well as to European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič about the introduction of a new EU-wide mechanism for the joint purchase of gas.