Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC)  

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The remit of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) covers the following fields:

  • ​​Audio-visual Industry and Media Technologies
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bio-economy
  • Culture and Cultural Diversity and Creativity
  • Demographic Change
  • Education and Training (including Lifelong Learning)
  • Employment Policy
  • Equality
  • EU Information Society, including Trans-European ICT Networks
  • European Pillar of Social Rights, including Social Policy, Social Protection
  • Innovation, Research and Technology and smart specialisation
  • Labour Mobility
  • Multilingualism and Promotion of Minority Languages
  • Social Economy
  • Sport
  • Youth

In addition, SEDEC manages the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP), which is a form of cooperation between the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). The platform seeks to present new R&I solutions, innovative products and best practice, by organising seminars in Brussels and peer-to-peer events in regions, or hosting showcasing events contributing to the KEP annual Action Plan.

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Select other CoR commission: CIVEX COTER ECON ENVE NAT SEDEC
Cities and regions to adopt a zero tolerance policy for violence against women and girls
Cities and regions to adopt a zero tolerance policy for violence against women and girls
25.11.2020
The CoR and European Commission join their forces to boost research and innovation at local and regional level
The CoR and European Commission join their forces to boost research and innovation at local and regional level
25.11.2020
Empower EU regions and cities to protect employment and social rights
Empower EU regions and cities to protect employment and social rights
15.10.2020
The Covid-19 crisis can deepen Europe's demographic decline, regions and cities warn
The Covid-19 crisis can deepen Europe's demographic decline, regions and cities warn
15.10.2020
Artificial intelligence in the EU: Regions and cities want to have their say
Artificial intelligence in the EU: Regions and cities want to have their say
09.10.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 7: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 7: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
08.10.2020
Regions and cities gain prominence on the EU's R&I agenda
Regions and cities gain prominence on the EU's R&I agenda
05.10.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 6: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 6: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
24.07.2020
A strong Social Europe is essential for EU's fair and sustainable recovery
A strong Social Europe is essential for EU's fair and sustainable recovery
09.07.2020
"The COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp relief inequalities between women and men"
"The COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp relief inequalities between women and men"
08.07.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 5: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 5: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
25.06.2020
The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards its best actions implemented in 2019
The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards its best actions implemented in 2019
25.06.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 4: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 4: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
05.06.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 3: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 3: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
15.05.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 2: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
CoR SEDEC Bulletin No. 2: Updates on the COVID-19 crisis
27.04.2020
CoR SEDEC Bulletin: COVID-19 impact and response measures
CoR SEDEC Bulletin: COVID-19 impact and response measures
03.04.2020
Social Europe and demographic change, high priorities for SEDEC in 2020
Social Europe and demographic change, high priorities for SEDEC in 2020
25.02.2020
Anne Karjalainen becomes new chair of the CoR's SEDEC Commission
Anne Karjalainen becomes new chair of the CoR's SEDEC Commission
14.02.2020
A pluralistic and innovative vision of culture key to strengthening European identity
A pluralistic and innovative vision of culture key to strengthening European identity
11.02.2020
International conference as a part of the Knowledge Exchange Platform on Social Innovation - „Quadruple Helix approach to social innovation ‒ „a key to success”
International conference as a part of the Knowledge Exchange Platform on Social Innovation - „Quadruple Helix approach to social innovation ‒ „a key to success”
29.01.2020
More cohesion is needed to tackle brain drain in Europe
More cohesion is needed to tackle brain drain in Europe
28.11.2019
Untapping bioeconomy's potential is key to the transition towards a more sustainable Europe
Untapping bioeconomy's potential is key to the transition towards a more sustainable Europe
24.10.2019
Regions and cities, birthplaces of social innovation
Regions and cities, birthplaces of social innovation
16.10.2019
Tanya Hristova appointed as new chair of SEDEC Commission
Tanya Hristova appointed as new chair of SEDEC Commission
30.09.2019
Knowledge Exchange Platform meets in Bulgaria
Knowledge Exchange Platform meets in Bulgaria
16.09.2019
Connecting regional research infrastructure is the key to a digital and innovative Europe
Connecting regional research infrastructure is the key to a digital and innovative Europe
11.07.2019
Knowledge Exchange Platform: Regions and cities in the driving seat of the “Industry 4.0” revolution
Knowledge Exchange Platform: Regions and cities in the driving seat of the “Industry 4.0” revolution
02.07.2019
CoR and DG CONNECT join forces in discussing "Digital Europe for all" at the Digital Assembly
CoR and DG CONNECT join forces in discussing "Digital Europe for all" at the Digital Assembly
16.05.2019
SEDEC Commission adopts opinions on bioeconomy and STEM education
SEDEC Commission adopts opinions on bioeconomy and STEM education
03.04.2019
Digital Europe for all: smart digital solutions must benefit every EU citizen
Digital Europe for all: smart digital solutions must benefit every EU citizen
03.04.2019
Agreement on Horizon Europe: Regions and cities expect to be at the core of EU's new research programme
Agreement on Horizon Europe: Regions and cities expect to be at the core of EU's new research programme
25.03.2019
Successful digital transformation is key for territorial cohesion
Successful digital transformation is key for territorial cohesion
19.02.2019
Increased budget for Erasmus must ensure equal opportunities for everyone
Increased budget for Erasmus must ensure equal opportunities for everyone
07.02.2019
The EU and our youth: the best way to connect the two is through a local community focus
The EU and our youth: the best way to connect the two is through a local community focus
03.12.2018
How can regions and cities tackle brain drain?
How can regions and cities tackle brain drain?
28.11.2018
Regions and cities join their forces with UEFA to promote EU regional investment in sport
Regions and cities join their forces with UEFA to promote EU regional investment in sport
28.11.2018
EU budget: Cuts to cohesion policy will undermine EU promises on social progress
EU budget: Cuts to cohesion policy will undermine EU promises on social progress
26.11.2018
Towards a stronger and more inclusive Europe through learner mobility, creativity, volunteering and digital transformation
Towards a stronger and more inclusive Europe through learner mobility, creativity, volunteering and digital transformation
19.10.2018
Sport can be a lever for growth, jobs, health and social inclusion
Sport can be a lever for growth, jobs, health and social inclusion
27.09.2018
The next EU budget must provide solutions to demographic challenges
The next EU budget must provide solutions to demographic challenges
27.06.2018
Integration of minorities in the border region between Italy and Austria
Integration of minorities in the border region between Italy and Austria
25.06.2018
New EU budget: SEDEC appoints rapporteurs for different programme proposals
New EU budget: SEDEC appoints rapporteurs for different programme proposals
25.06.2018
CoR rapporteur Nathalie Sarrabezolles expresses concerns over the weakening of the work-life balance directive
CoR rapporteur Nathalie Sarrabezolles expresses concerns over the weakening of the work-life balance directive
21.06.2018
EU funding can multiply the benefits of green infrastructure in regions and cities
EU funding can multiply the benefits of green infrastructure in regions and cities
30.05.2018
European Pillar of Social Rights must be supported by a strong cohesion policy
European Pillar of Social Rights must be supported by a strong cohesion policy
10.10.2017
Towards the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018: Culture is bringing communities together and boosting growth in Timișoara
Towards the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018: Culture is bringing communities together and boosting growth in Timișoara
01.10.2017
José Ignacio Ceniceros, President of La Rioja, to chair the SEDEC commission
José Ignacio Ceniceros, President of La Rioja, to chair the SEDEC commission
27.09.2017
Free roaming is a win for consumers however EU cities and regions want more to be done
Free roaming is a win for consumers however EU cities and regions want more to be done
14.06.2017
Cities, regions have 'considerable' role in boosting labour skills
Cities, regions have 'considerable' role in boosting labour skills
11.06.2017
Mid-term review of Horizon 2020 and future R&I programme: CoR and EP rapporteurs say increase in R&I funding would benefit all EU regions
Mid-term review of Horizon 2020 and future R&I programme: CoR and EP rapporteurs say increase in R&I funding would benefit all EU regions
08.06.2017
Smart specialisation plays an important role in promoting territorial cohesion
Smart specialisation plays an important role in promoting territorial cohesion
23.05.2017
Sofia proves that investment in culture creates growth, jobs and social inclusiveness
Sofia proves that investment in culture creates growth, jobs and social inclusiveness
18.05.2017
Sofia hosts a CoR seminar on the role of culture for social inclusion
Sofia hosts a CoR seminar on the role of culture for social inclusion
14.05.2017
Robotics experts meet with decision makers of cities and regions to boost innovation
Robotics experts meet with decision makers of cities and regions to boost innovation
09.05.2017
Youth unemployment – better equipping our youth for the common challenges ahead requires a local and regional approach
Youth unemployment – better equipping our youth for the common challenges ahead requires a local and regional approach
30.03.2017
EU needs an alcohol strategy, local and regional leaders say
EU needs an alcohol strategy, local and regional leaders say
08.02.2017
Interregional cooperation needs to be at the core of smart specialisation strategies
Interregional cooperation needs to be at the core of smart specialisation strategies
31.01.2017
eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020 - Guidance document for implementation at Regional and local level
eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020 - Guidance document for implementation at Regional and local level
29.01.2017

 Previous Meetings

 Next Meetings

Adopted Opinions

Opinions currently in discussion

​Head of Unit: Kyriakos Tsirimiagos

Assitant to the HoU: David Freixas Montplet

Administrators:

  • Svetlozar Andreev, in charge of Research and Innovation, Science Meets Regions
  • Alexandra Bozini (SNE), in charge of Social Policy, Employment Policy
  • Sebastian Gonzalez Hajdu, in charge of Youth, Social Economy and Education policies
  • Doru-lulian Hobjila, in charge of Education,​ Culture, Youth, Sport and Multilingualism – Audio-visual and Media Related Technologies - membership of the Group of Communicators (GOC)
  • Lisa Holmund Prutsch, in charge of Horizontal policies and studies
  • Georgios Petras, in charge of Employment and Social policy
  • Valeria Satta (SNE), in charge of Equality, Innovation - Bioeconomy, Knowledge Exchange Platform
  • Esther Wirth, in charge of Research and Innovation policies, clear writing coordinator
  • Jens Zvirgzdgrauds, in charge of Smart specialisation, Artificial intelligence, Audio-visual and Media Related Technologies, ICT


Assistants:

  • Marianne Bertau (interim), in charge of the general support to SEDEC Secretariat​
  • Marielou Dalli​, in charge of the general support to SEDEC Secretariat - Platforms and events​
  • Daniela Pastina, in charge of the general support to SEDEC Secretariat
  • ​Valeria Schirru​ (absent - maternity leave)​, in charge of the general support to SEDEC Secretariat​​
To contact the SEDEC team, please use the Contact fo​rm​
  • Addressing brain drain: The local and regional dimension
    Publication date: 28.09.2018
    Theme: Education
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Simona Cavallini (Fondazione FORMIT), Rossella Soldi (Progress Consulting S.r.l.), Lorenzo Di Matteo (Fondazione FORMIT), Mihaela Alina Utma (Fondazione FORMIT) and Beatrice Errico (Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma).
    Files:

  • - Addressing brain drain: the local and regional dimension - Executive Summary
    Publication date: 27.09.2018
    Theme: Education
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Simona Cavallini (Fondazione FORMIT), Rossella Soldi (Progress Consulting S.r.l.), Lorenzo Di Matteo (Fondazione FORMIT), Mihaela Alina Utma (Fondazione FORMIT) and Beatrice Errico (Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma).
    Available languages:

  • The impact of social economy at the local and regional level
    Publication date: 04.05.2020
    Theme: Social economy
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Haris Martinos, Toby Johnson and Herta Tödtling-Schönhofer (Metis GmbH)
    Available languages:

  • Regional aspects of ageing and demographic change
    Publication date: 05.03.2020
    Theme: Demographic change
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Marili Parissaki (Metis GmbH)
    Available languages:

  • EPRS StudiesDemographic outlook for the European Union 2020
    Publication date: 04.03.2020
    Theme: Demographic change
    Keywords: EPRS Studies, SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: EPRS
    Available languages:

  • European Regional Social Scoreboard
    Publication date: 09.09.2019
    Theme: Employment, Education, Social protection, Equal opportunities, Demographic change
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: European Committee of the Regions (SEDEC commission) and Eurostat
    Available languages:

  • EPRS StudiesEuropean research area (ERA) – Regional and cross-border perspectives
    Publication date: 26.04.2019
    Theme: Innovation and research
    Keywords: EPRS Studies, SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: EPRS
    Available languages:

  • How to design cultural development strategies to boost local and regional competitiveness and comparative advantage: overview of good practices
    Publication date: 29.04.2018
    Theme: Culture
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Simona Cavallini (Fondazione FORMIT), Rossella Soldi (Progress Consulting S.r.l.), Mihaela Alina Utma (Fondazione FORMIT), Beatrice Errico (Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma).
    Available languages:

  • Horizon 2020 and the Local and Regional Authorities
    Publication date: 10.05.2017
    Theme: Innovation and research, European Structural and Investment Funds
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Simona Cavallini, Rossella Soldi, Mihaela Alina Utma, Federico Benolli (consortium Progress Consulting S.r.l. & Fondazione FORMIT).
    Files:

  • Youth initiative: a framework for youth entrepreneurship
    Publication date: 25.04.2017
    Theme: Youth policy
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Rossella Soldi (Progress Consulting S.r.l.) and Simona Cavallini (Fondazione FORMIT).
    Files:

  • A New Skills Agenda for Europe
    Publication date: 12.07.2016
    Theme: Education, Employment, Labour mobility
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Rossella Soldi (Progress Consulting S.r.l.), Simona Cavallini, Julia Friedl, Margherita Volpe, Consuelo Patrizia Zuccaro (Fondazione FORMIT).
    Available languages:

  • Using the Quadruple Helix Approach to Accelerate the Transfer of Research and Innovation Results to Regional Growth
    Publication date: 16.06.2016
    Theme: Innovation and research
    Keywords: SEDEC (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment and Culture)
    Author: Simona Cavallini, Rossella Soldi, Julia Friedl, Margherita Volpe (consortium Progress Consulting S.r.l. & Fondazione FORMIT).
    Available languages:

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