European Economic and Social Committee elects Seamus Boland as president

TALLINN – The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on Wednesday elected Seamus Boland of Ireland as its new president. His term will be guided by the principles of opportunity, security, and resilience.

Boland pledged to place civil society at the heart of Europe through a people-centric program that balances economic growth with social inclusion and ensures fair opportunities for all to prosper. His key priorities include eradicating poverty by creating opportunities, as well as protecting and empowering civil society. This is to ensure Europe remains true to its democratic and social principles in the face of shrinking civic space and growing political and economic instability.

Reducing poverty is central to the new president's vision. With over a fifth of the European Union's population at risk of poverty and social exclusion, and extreme poverty on the rise despite economic progress, the new president has made its eradication a primary goal. His approach will focus on collaboration to protect and assist the most vulnerable groups, while harmonizing economic well-being, active labor market policies, and social inclusion.

Seamus Boland is the 35th president of the European Economic and Social Committee and the second person from Ireland to lead the EU institution, which has represented organized civil society for 67 years. He will be supported in his leadership by two new vice-presidents: Alena Mastantuono of the Czech Republic, responsible for the budget, and Marija Hanzevacki of Croatia, responsible for communication. The new bureau, led by Seamus Boland as the successor to Oliver Röpke, will serve a two-and-a-half-year term until March 2028.

The Committee begins its new term with a younger membership and a greater proportion of women. The average age of members has dropped from 59 in the previous term to 55. Women now constitute 39 percent of the committee's members, up from 33 percent five years ago.