News

At its annual General Assembly meeting yesterday [4 April], Social Platform members gathered to network and think collectively on the development of political priorities in Europe. Members also held a series of important votes, including the election of new member the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and the appointment of its new Management Committee.

The following people will lead the 49-member network during the 2019-2021 period:

President – Piotr Sadowski (Volonteurope)
Vice-President – Catherine Naughton (European Disability Forum)
Vice-President – Maciej Kucharczyk (AGE Platform Europe)
Treasurer – Heather Roy (Eurodiaconia)
Ordinary Member – Michele LeVoy (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants)
Ordinary Member – Shannon Pfohman (Caritas Europa)
Ordinary Member – Leo Williams (European Anti-Poverty Network)

The elections marked the end of mandate for former President Jana Hainsworth (Eurochild) and former Treasurer Jorge Nuño Mayer (Caritas Europa), who oversaw the adoption of Social Platform’s 2018 accounts.

Director Kélig Puyet conveyed the General Assembly’s thanks to Ms Hainsworth, remarking on her perseverance being instrumental in advancing the EU’s social agenda and securing Social Platform’s place among high-profile EU influencers.

Commenting after her departure, Ms Hainsworth said:

“It has been my pleasure to represent Social Platform as President for the last four years. We face challenging times, but I know that I am leaving the network in safe hands with Piotr. I have faith that he will continue to raise Social Platform’s profile and prominence in the EU social field.”

Upon taking up his position as President, Mr Sadowski said:

“I am honoured and humbled to be elected President of Social Platform, and am ready to commit myself fully to this important role. During this time of great transition in the EU, I am confident that Social Platform will remain the constant that keeps social rights high on the EU agenda.”