Brussels, 25/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - Sustainable green growth, solidarity with the developing countries and more civil society involvement at European level: these are the priorities for the term in office of Staffan Nilsson, the newly-elected president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EEAS - EUROPE 10238).
Nilsson, who is a staunch supporter of the European Union, “whose first aim is to bring sustainable peace to our continent”, is also strongly in favour of sustainable growth, “which is the best way of financing a social model for the benefit of all Europeans and to defend our values internationally”.
Referring in his inaugural speech to United Nations statistics indicating that 1 billion people are dying of hunger in the world, Nilsson called for better use to be made of the instruments to fight famine.
As regards the role of the EESC, the new president called for this consultative assembly to be able to play a more active role in the decision-making process of the EU. “This would not only make the EU more democratic, but also help keep the vision of a common Europe alive”.
As regards the current political climate, President Nilsson spoke out strongly against the xenophobic ideas being put forward by certain political groups in Europe, stating: “This is unacceptable and should be treated as such by all European institutions”. (G.B./transl.fl)