FOCUS: The 8th anniversary of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) in Bulgaria will be attended by all presidents of the European Economic and Social Committee since 2002, as well as by the presidents of the three committee groups. What is the reason for this honor?
Staffan Nilsson: This participation clearly shows in my view the high praise of the EESC leadership during the last decade for the works of the Bulgarian ESC. Despite its youth, the Bulgarian ESC has, in its eight years of activity, proven unique dynamism, demonstrating a pro-active attitude on a number of occasions. It has already organized or co-organized many successful initiatives, all of which have focused on issues which are at the core of the EU agenda and have enjoyed the enthusiastic participation of many ESCs. This shows that the Bulgarian ESC is a body that provides impetus for the whole EU network of national ESCs.

FOCUS: The Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria celebrates its eighth anniversary. How do you evaluate the development of the civil dialogue in Bulgaria?
Staffan Nilsson: We are now at the end of the second 4-year mandate of the Bulgarian ESC which, since its first plenary session on 10 December 2003, developed itself as a new institution of civil dialogue in Bulgaria marking a new phase of organized civil society development in this country. The President of the Bulgarian ESC, Mr. Dulevski, has run this council along the lines of the European Economic and Social Committee, managing to ensure harmony and respect for common interests in order to achieve common goals. At the same time, Mr. Dulevski has succeeded in improving the ESC's action at the national level too. In fact, the role of this Council could be better recognized by the government; the Council participates actively in the national decision-making process and its voice is heard at the political level. The EESC is very pleased to see that the Bulgarian Council always makes its contribution to the various activities organized at European level and which require the participation of the EU network of national economic and social councils. For instance the Bulgarian ESC has contributed to our work on the EU 2020 Strategy and on the initiatives we have taken in the framework of the Single Market Act. These two European projects needs implementation at national level and civil society's engagement. We are delighted to note that the EESC's Bulgarian members pay particular attention to the activity taking place at the European level: 9 out of 12 work for both institutions (dual membership).

FOCUS: According to you where is the place of the European civil society and the national ESC in the realization of the strategy “Europe 2020”?
Staffan Nilsson: The EESC and the ESC need to continue to work on the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This will remain our priority, as I believe that making Europe 2020 strategy a reality is a responsibility for us all, not only for the EU institutions and national governments. We need a long term vision approach in tackling the effects of the crises together with short term decisions. We have to prepare a Europe for the future generations. Only with the civil society on board, can the Europe 2020 strategy deliver concrete results and make Europeans happier than they are now under austerity measures. This is why next year we will organize a major event: Step up for a stronger Europe - Civil society: a full partner in Europe 2020 strategy.
We will engage stakeholders at all levels (EU, national, regional and local), will work horizontally engaging all our Committee's sections and we will offer our concrete proposals in the ways Europe can get smart, sustainable and inclusive. And we need the contribution of the ESCs as well. It is very important.

FOCUS: How can the European civil society meet the main challenges that Europe faces today?
Staffan Nilsson: In times of crisis, therefore, social partners and all civil society players must also be part of reform processes. The EU Treaty obliges all EU institutions to engage in structured dialogue with civil society. We champion the view that properly designed social and labor market policies – which always involve social dialogue – are a positive force, not only in terms of social justice, but also in terms of overall economic performance. I still think we need to keep in mind that EU has been and still is a peace project above all. Let's keep this vision in mind and then we will overcome all economic and social challenges.