Join the EAPN campaign for Adequate Minimum Income schemes!

24 out of 27 Member States have minimum income schemes in place at this present time, but there are serious flaws with their accessibility and their adequacy. It is time to state clearly that adequate Minimum Income schemes are a fundamental prerequisite for an EU based on social justice and equal opportunities for all!

See the current EAPN Campaign on Adequate Minimum Income on www.adequateincome.eu.

Minimum income can be defined as a non contributory income guarantee that enables people who cannot fend for themselves, to receive a minimum amount of monetary income.

24 out of 27 Member States have minimum income schemes in place at this present time, but there are serious flaws with the accessibility and the adequacy of these schemes.

Poverty is not only about money (see EAPN poverty explainer), but having sufficient money to live on is an essential pre-requisite for a decent life. Minimum Income schemes are also a cornerstone of social protection.

In a framework of lack of progress in the fight against poverty, there are 3 main reasons why EAPN wants to campaign now on Minimum Income:

• Minimum Income schemes are not accessible to all today, and the levels are often too low to allow for a decent standard of living.
• Minimum Income schemes are increasingly associated with compulsion and with a negative image of the poor, which undermines a key positive element of the European social model.
• EU level willingness to go further on the issue of minimum income is hindered by a lack of political commitment. 
   

Against this background, EAPN calls on the Member States of the EU:

• To recognise Adequate Minimum Income schemes as an essential element of the Social Protection System and the solid foundation on which to build decent society.
• To guarantee as a basic right, access to Adequate Minimum Income schemes capable of sustaining a dignified life.

What can you do?

Get informed! on www.adequateincome.eu and sign the appeal .... and tell your friends!

We’ll keep you regularly informed on the campaign at both European and national levels. We expect massive support for the campaign from all those concerned about social justice.

Download the campaign material:

• A leaflet presenting the EAPN campaign for Adequate Minimum Income schemes (Other languages: Dutch - front page - back page);
• Printable posters and postcards of the campaign (Other languages: Dutch - front page - back page) ;
• ‘Minimum Income: myths and realities’, a paper from Pf Veit-Wilson suggesting some strong arguments in favour of the idea of an adequate minimum income for a decent and dignified level of living for all.
• A campaign guide giving an overview of the EAPN campaign on Minimum Income as well as tips about the kind of activities you can organize.