Birmingham City Council is set to be at the forefront of shaping continental policy after Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Tilsley was elected the spokesperson for European cities on social affairs matters.
Cllr Tilsley has taken on the role of EUROCITIES Social Affairs Forum Chairman after two years as Vice-Chairman.
He replaces Ulf Kristersson from the City of Stockholm, who earlier this month was announced as the new Social Insurance Minister of the Swedish Government.
EUROCITIES is the network of major European cities. It is the voice of more than 140 large cities in over 30 European countries, influencing and lobbying the EU institutions to respond to common issues that impact the day-to-day lives of Europeans in cities.
One of the first things Cllr Tilsley hopes to be able to do as SAF Chair is to meet the European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs to discuss the future of the European Social Fund post 2013, currently under view as part of a budget setting process.
Cllr Tilsley said: “I am honoured to be given this opportunity to represent the interests of cities across Europe on such an important topic, underlining Birmingham’s reputation as one of the key players on EU issues.
“The issue of reduced public finances is something not exclusive to the UK so it is essential that the Social Affairs Forum urgently looks at a number of issues such as adapting social services to meet new and emerging needs as well as tackling economic exclusion through innovative policies.
“By being given this opportunity, I will be in a perfect position to fight Birmingham’s corner and that of the continent’s major cities, which is a big boost in the current challenging times.”
ENDS
For more information contact Kris Kowalewski on 0121 303 3621
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