European Commission’s Chief Spokesperson Margaritis Schinas visited Cedefop on 24 June for talks with Acting Executive Director Mara Brugia and the agency’s management team.
Mr Schinas praised Cedefop’s role and presence in Thessaloniki, his hometown, adding that he has been following its work and supporting it over many years and in different roles, in the Commission Representation in Athens, as an MEP for Thessaloniki, and now from the post of Chief Spokesperson.
He spoke about the importance of the decentralised EU agencies for the Commission, noting that they are dynamic and have capacities that the Commission itself does not have. They need to work together more and reach out to the world, establishing networks with local communities and communicating effectively, he added.
Ms Brugia said that Cedefop is happy to call Mr Schinas a friend and supporter.
The EU official was interviewed for Cedefop’s magazine Skillset and match. He looked back at the main achievements of the Juncker Commission, the term of which comes to an end on 31 October; he talked about education and employment’s position in the Commission’s priorities, the significance of Cedefop’s work on vocational education and training, skills and qualifications, and about what it is like working closely with Commission President Jean Claude Juncker. The interview will be published in the September issue of the magazine.