Brussels, 29/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming on board the new Bulgarian and Romanian advisers at January's EESC's plenary (EUROPE 9344), Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for Enlargement, underlined, in an EESC press release, the crucial role of EESC members in “helping to improve the understanding between the EU and its candidate and potential candidate countries”. The commissioner added, “You have the experience to inform your constituencies about the social structures and economic and social impact of the reforms in the candidate countries. My colleagues and I in the Commission will do our utmost to improve communication about enlargement issues. But we need your help." Rehn also asserted that “We must listen to citizens, address their concerns, and provide factual information. While 'doing' enlargement, we must also remember to explain why we do it". The commissioner pointed out that “enlargement is…a long transformation process through which applicant countries become mature with the help of civil society”. Commissioner Rehn called on the EESC to, “continue its valuable work with the candidate and potential candidate countries. He concluded with an appeal to the EESC to share its “experience with your counterparts in those countries…as well as with the public in the EU. That is a great service for Europe." (gb)