Statement by EESC President Oliver Röpke on the European Council decisions on the next EU leadership

European Leaders just agreed on the direction the European Union should take in the coming years. The European Council not only adopted a Strategic Agenda to define the political priorities of our institutions, but also took a decision on the leadership that will guide them.

I welcome the election of António Costa as President of the European Council, and the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, as well as Kaja Kallas to be the next High Representative. I congratulate the EU Leaders on those swift decisions and look forward to the final vote from the European Parliament on this new leadership.

This agreement is the result of a negotiation between a democratic and pro-EU majority, that should serve as the basis for compromises during the next mandate of the institutions. The results of the European Elections demonstrate that our citizens expect these forces to be in the driving seat in order to propose common solutions to their struggles and challenges.

I also welcome the adoption of the Strategic Agenda which prepares the next institutional cycle and sets the political priorities of the EU Leaders for the next years. While there is a strong focus on European values and the rule of law as the EU's compass, the Agenda lacks a clear commitment to social and civil dialogue, which are preconditions for a successful and just green and digital transitions. A Europe that is prosperous and competitive must also be socially just and fair. This is why we need to work for further advancement of the social agenda as well as the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Strategic Agenda rightly reflects on the geopolitical and unprecedented challenges that Europe is facing and recognises the need to prepare for a bigger and stronger Union, which the EESC is already working on through its 'Enlargement Candidate Members' initiative.

The EESC will remain a strong and reliable partner on this European path. I am eager to meet and join forces with the new representatives from all EU institutions. The years ahead will be challenging, and we must continue paving the way for a sustainable, just and competitive Union, based on the core values for which we stand. Together we are closer to that goal, together we stand prepared to work and deliver to all Europeans.