The discussion covered aspects of ensuring access to quality jobs while adopting measures to address the growing levels of ‘working poor’ in Europe as well as looking at the need for redistributing wealth and resources. The importance of adequate minimum income schemes and access to public services were highlighted as key ways to tackle poverty. The debate was based on a draft working paper produced for the Council which builds on the paper they adopted in 2008 “A green vision for social Europe” and aimed to address key issue arising in the context of the current crisis.