The Economic and Social Committee (ESC) is an advisory body which ensures that the various economic and social interest groups (employers, trade unions, farmers, consumers etc.) are represented in the institutional framework of the European Union. The ESC has been described as a bridge between Europe and its citizens.

The members of the ESC are put forward by the governments of the Member States and appointed by the Council of the European Union for a renewable term of four years. The 222 members of the ESC are totally independent and the number from each Member State approximately reflects the population size.

Website of the Economic and Social Committee