News

A delegation of Social Platform members met this week [19 February] with Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet, and Sarah Nelen, Deputy Head of Cabinet for European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, responsible for the European Green Deal. The aim of the meeting was to discuss developments regarding the implementation of the European Green Deal, its coordination with the delivery of United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the European Pillar of Social Rights and related governance mechanisms.

Our delegation, composed of Shannon Pfohman (Management Committee Ordinary Member), Kélig Puyet (Director), Jamen Gabriela Hrabanova (Director, European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network) and Nikita Sanaullah (Policy Officer, European Youth Forum), conveyed the message that we need a long-term social and sustainable strategy that integrates the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights. This strategy also needs targets that build on the Europe 2020 strategy. The delegation highlighted the need to pay attention to the most marginalised groups of people who will be especially vulnerable to the changes needed to achieve this transition. It must be ensured that they do not bear the costs of this transition. To achieve this, structured stakeholder engagement needs to be in place, including on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

While the Cabinet showed interest to continue the dialogue with all stakeholders, Mr Samson did not confirm political will to continue structuring this stakeholder engagement. This raises concerns, as it will present a barrier to developing the societal transitions that are necessary in Europe and to ensure the much needed truly inclusive European Green Deal. With our members and partners, we are determined to continue pushing for more structured engagement with civil society organisations.