Heike Raab elected Chair of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture of the European Committee of the Regions

The State Secretary for Europe and Media of Rhineland-Palatinate, Heike Raab (DE/PES), was elected Chair at the first mandate meeting of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC)on 21 February. The State Secretary will chair the SEDEC commission for two and a half years, during the first half of the Committee's new term of office 2025-2030. 

In her new role, Ms Raab will lead the work of EU regions and cities on a wide range of issues, including employment and social policy, education and training, culture, equality and youth policy, and research and innovation. 

In the upcoming months, the SEDEC Commission will focus on employment and equality policies, homelessness and long-term unemployment, and the well-being of young people and their independence and democratic participation. Specific initiatives will include the EU Poverty Reduction Strategy and research and innovation at the heart of Europe's competitiveness. 

Heike Raab (DE/PES), who has been a member of the Committee of the Regions since 2015 and belongs to the Group of the Party of European Socialists, said after her appointment: “ I am very happy to take over the chair of the SEDEC commission. I would like to thank my predecessors Anne Karjalainen and Tania Hristova very much. They have experienced this role competently and politically. The SEDEC commission has decisive political influence on issues that have a direct impact on citizens' everyday lives, culture and media, society from strengthening social rights and fighting poverty to ensuring fair working conditions in a digitalised world. I look forward to working with all colleagues to advance equality, skills development and social justice across Europe.” 

Contact

Theresa Sostmann
Tel: +32475999415
Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu