EESC President

During the Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC) meeting, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Parliament marked a key milestone in their partnership. They reflected on the first year of their renewed cooperation agreement, signed by EESC President Oliver Röpke and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in May 2024, and looked ahead to the new parliamentary mandate for strengthened collaboration.

EESC President Oliver Röpke underlined the positive results achieved over the past year, with more than 100 meetings held between EESC and EP members and stronger links between committees and sections. He welcomed this promising start, stressing that cooperation is not just about formal exchanges but about shaping policies that make a difference for citizens.

Discussions focused on common priorities, including the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, addressing the cost-of-living and housing crises, AI, anti-poverty plan, promoting gender equality, building on the EESC’s recent contributions to CSW69. President Röpke called for placing social objectives and equality at the core of the EU’s work, particularly for young people and vulnerable groups.

The current geopolitical situation was also high on the agenda. President Röpke reaffirmed the EESC’s strong commitment to defending fundamental rights and the rule of law, both within the EU and in candidate countries. He also highlighted the need for the EU to respond to trade and tariff challenges without losing sight of social and environmental standards.

President Röpke concluded by calling for this positive momentum to become a lasting habit: “This is not just about ticking the box of cooperation, but about delivering real results together.” Both institutions agreed on the need to deepen their cooperation and ensure that civil society remains a strong and active partner in shaping the European project.

President Röpke's presentation and exchange with the Committee Chairs from the European Parliament was met with broad support from the MEPs, who expressed their willingness to engage in even stronger collaboration with the EESC in the near future.