The new social face of the European Commission

Employment and Social Affairs 6 October 2014 , by admin

From the socialist László Andor to the Christian-democratic Marianne Thyssen, the employment portfolio of the European Commission is not only changing face but also political colour.

The Belgian politician, member of the European Parliament for the EPP since 1991, has been designated commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility by the elected President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, on 10th September. During her last legislation, she was Vice-president of the Economic and Monetary Affairs committee, being responsible for several important legislative dossiers such as the resolutions related to “a genuine Economic and Monetary Union” and “the prudential supervision of credit institutions”.

Given the high rates of unemployment in many parts of Europe, especially among youth, and the increasing levels of poverty risk and social exclusion, Marianne Thyssen is going to hold a sensitive portfolio. Among her priorities, she will contribute to the preparation of the employment, growth and investment package (the famous €300 billion package that Juncker announced in his programme), paying particular attention to the acceleration and broadening of the Youth Guarantee’s implementation. She will also play a significant role within the European semester of economic policy coordination.

The first important step for the new Commissioner is the hearing at the Employment and Social Affairs parliamentary committee that is expected on the 1st of October.