The Hon. Staffan Nilsson

(Former President, the European Economic and Social Committee)

Biography

President Staffan Nilsson has been serving as the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) since 2010.

 Career

 Prior to the current appointment, Staffan Nilsson served in Group III (Various Interests) for a period of twelve years - six years as Vice President, and another six as President. 

 Since becoming a member of the EESC in 1995, Mr. Nilsson has devoted much of his expertise to the fields of agriculture, sustainable development, civic engagement, and international cooperation. He is strongly committed to a “new” Europe, and over the course of his career, has consistently highlighted the need for dialogue, openness, and inclusive cooperation for sustained growth and stability in the continent. Mr. Nilsson has also been an active member of the EESC Joint Consultative Committees for many years.  He is currently playing a vital role in the EU-Turkey JCC and the Euromed Committee. 

 In addition, Mr. Nilsson has been a Rapporteur for opinions on a number of forums including the Soil Protection Framework Directive, the Action plan for Environmental Technology, and the Communication on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, Agriculture and Food Safety in the Context of the Euromed Partnership. He has over 30 years of experience in farming in Northern Sweden, and is an active member of the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF).

"A Europe With Less and Lower Walls"

The Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy 2014 (Berlin; November 9th, 2014)