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Jan Kouwenberg elected Chair of Eurofound’s Management Board

22 November 2021
Topic: 
Living and working in Europe
Image of Jan Kouwenberg, Chair of Eurofound’s Management Board (Left), with Maria Jepsen, Eurofound Deputy Director (Centre), and Ivailo Kalfin, Eurofound Executive Director (Right) in the gardens at Eurofound on 19 November 2021

Jan Kouwenberg has been elected Chair of Eurofound’s Management Board at the Agency’s annual Management Board meeting in Dublin on 19 November. He takes over from outgoing chair Stefan Gran, currently Senior Advisor at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), and former representative of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). Mr Kouwenberg, an economist, represents the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) in Eurofound’s tripartite management structure.

In response to his election, Mr Kouwenberg commented:
 

These are challenging times for Europe, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, digitisation, rapid labour market change, and global climate challenges. Eurofound’s data, research and analysis are arguably more important than ever. I am pleased and thankful to play my part in facilitating dialogue in the Agency’s governance, and furthering Eurofound’s contribution to the future of Europe.

— Jan Kouwenberg, Chair of Eurofound’s Management Board

Three Vice Chairpersons were also elected: Jerzy Ciechański, Ministry of Family and Social Policy of Poland; Stefania Rossi, General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria); and Barbara Kauffmann, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission.

During their meeting the Management Board approved Eurofound’s work programme for 2022, as part of the Agency’s overall Programming document for 2021–2024. 

As set out in Eurofound’s Founding Regulation, the Chair and Deputy Chairpersons are elected by a majority of two-thirds of members of the Management Board. The term of office is for one year, renewable.

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Photo: Jan Kouwenberg, Chair of Eurofound’s Management Board (Left), with Maria Jepsen, Eurofound Deputy Director (Centre), and Ivailo Kalfin, Eurofound Executive Director (Right). © Conor Healy / Picture It Photography/Eurofound 2021

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