European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the EESC Social economy category
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a consultative body that gives representatives of Europe’s socio-occupational interest groups, and others, a formal platform to express their points of views on EU issues. Its opinions are forwarded to the larger institutions - the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament. It thus has a key role to play in the Union’s decision-making process.
The 344 members of the EESC are drawn from economic and social interest groups in Europe. Members are nominated by national governments and appointed by the Council of the European Union for a renewable 5-year term of office. The latest renewal was in October 2010 for the mandate 2010-2015. They belong to one of three groups: Employers (Group I), Employees (Group II) and Various Interests (Group III).
The presence of the Various Interests Group, alongside the Employers’ Group and the Employees’ Group, ensures that the Committee is able to give full voice to the concerns of the various social, occupational, economic and cultural organisations that make up civil society.
The unique feature which forges Group III’s identity is the wide range of categories represented within its ranks: its members are drawn from farmers’ organisations, small businesses, the crafts sector, the professions, cooperatives and non-profit associations, consumer organisations, environmental organisations, associations representing the family, persons with disabilities, the scientific and academic community and non-governmental organisations.
The EESC Social economy category
The Social economy category brings together 35 members (34 of whom belong to Group III and 1 to Group I) from cooperatives, mutuals, associations, foundations and social NGOs. Their spokesperson is Mr Miguel Ángel Cabra de Luna.
Group III´s Social economy category represents a significant proportion of civil society and, together with other members and categories, works towards a more democratic, social and competitive Europe.
List of the members of the social economy category
- Social Economy Category
WORK PROGRAMME THE SOCIAL ECONOMY CATEGORY 2012
This section's articles
2012
2011
On the Web
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EESC - European Economic and Social Committee - Various Interests Group (Group III) - Categories: Social Economy
http://www.eesc.europa.eu/groups/3/index_en.asp?id=1405GR03EN
Website of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), a bridge between Europe and organised civil society. The Economic and Social Committee (EESC) was set up by the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community in 1957 to represent the various economic and social components of organised civil society.
