The crisis in the European Union and the policies which have been implemented hurt the European social model, putting in question the role of participation in the effort to create and sustain development. The European civil society is today at a critical point, if not at a point of crisis. The redefinition of the civil society’s role as well as its ways for acting and connecting is necessary in order to face the new challenges in the social, political and economic process and build policies on the basis of development and mutual solidarity in Europe.
In the new circumstances, the social dialogue must adopt a democratic and human oriented approach, giving emphasis to qualitative governance, transparency, legality, accountability, public ethics and the idea of serving the citizen.
The role of the ESCs in the European Union strengthens democracy and is related with the effort to modernise the structures and the functioning of the member-states. The Greek ESC, as the constitutionally established forum of social dialogue, has a decisive role because of its mission and will have to further strengthen its influence on final political decisions.
Born in Athens in 1950 in a seafaring family from the island of Sifnos that first began its shipping activities in mid of 19th century in Istanbul and moved to Piraeus in the 1920’s.
Studied Economics at the University of Athens and University of London.
- President of ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OF GREECE – www.oke.gr
- General Secretary of GREEK TOURISM CONFEDERATION – www.sete.gr
- Honorary President of HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL YACHT OWNERS ASSOCIATION - www.hpyoa.gr
- Member of the Board of HELLENIC CHAMBER OF SHIPPING – www.nee.gr
- Chairman of VERNICOS YACHTS - www.vernicos.com The leading yachting company in Greece for sales and crewed yacht charters
George Vernicos has also a continuous and fruitful activity in the social field.
He served for a short period as Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs.
He was elected as councilman at the municipality of Athens. He served as director of GREEK NATIONAL TOURIST ORGANIZATION.
He is member of several Organizations and Chambers that aims to the financial, cultural and social recovery of Greece and the defense of the citizens’ rights.