Next week the ECR Group will nominate Polish MEP Beata Szydlo to chair the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

Szydlo is a former Prime Minister of Poland who during her tenure led through increases in the national minimum wage, new child welfare allowances and reduced the retirement age. If approved next week by the Committee, Szydlo will preside over legislation covering workers rights, social security systems and freedom of movement.

Speaking on the nomination, Szydlo said:

“I am very pleased to receive the nomination of my group. There will be many challenges over the coming term on employment and social issues at European level, such as reforms to the European Social Fund and the further implementation of the Declaration on the European Pillar on Social Rights. I believe that I have the necessary experience having delivered social reforms in Poland and I hope to be able to use this to help steer my committee and its members through the work that’s ahead of us.”

The committee vote will take place on Wednesday next week in Brussels.