By the EESC Diversity Europe Group
With the start of the EESC’s new term of office (2020-2025), Séamus Boland took over the presidency of the Diversity Europe Group. The Group confirmed his new role during its first meeting of the new term held on 27 October.
“Poverty and the role of civil society organisations in combatting it” will be the focus of Mr Boland’s presidency. In line with the topic, the Group’s priorities for the 2020-2023 presidential term include:
- Addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on society;
- Implementing the Green Deal with all stakeholders, based on the Sustainable Development Goal “End poverty in all its forms everywhere”;
- Involving civil society organisations, including European platforms, with the Group’s work;
- Including all Group members in the work as well as maintaining a strong gender balance;
- Promoting the Group’s work to other institutions and the wider public more efficiently.
Séamus Boland’s candidacy for the presidency was driven by a wish to advance the case for civil society and to strengthen its voice. The Irishman suggested addressing civil society’s broad needs and ensuring quality work and robust procedures at the EESC to this end.
The new president will chair the Diversity Europe Group together with seven vice-presidents:
Pietro Vittorio Barbieri (IT), Jan Dirx (NL), Kinga Joó (HU), Rudolf Kolbe (AT), Ariane Rodert (SE), Simo Tiainen (FI) and Ioannis Vardakastanis (EL).
During the EESC’s inaugural plenary session in October, the plenary appointed members of the Diversity Europe Group to different leadership positions. Cillian Lohan was appointed EESC vice-president for communication, amongst others.
Detailed information is available on the Group’s web page.
eesc.europa.eu
