Structural Funds: a general overview
The Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are intended to narrow the gaps in economic and social development among the regions and Member States of the European Union. Representing more…
Building upon the EQUAL programme
One of the success stories of the last round of the structural funds was the EQUAL Programme, which operated on the basis of social inclusion, innovation, transnationality, empowerment and the…
Providing the right framework for NGOs to access the funds
To ensure that the funds deliver on tackling poverty, it is crucial to enable access of those organisations engaged with the most excluded, and to provide tailored mechanisms. Key tools…
Building upon the strengthened partnership principle
For the first time, Article 11 of the Structural Funds regulation explicitly recognizes the principle of partnership with civil society organisations, which “shall cover the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation…
Stronger spending on social inclusion measures
In line with the renewed Lisbon Agenda, the emphasis on jobs, competitiveness and growth might hinder a rather holistic approach to socio-economic development. EAPN believes structural funds should be instrumental…
The Lisbon Strategy: A general overview
The ‘Lisbon Strategy’ (also referred to as the Lisbon Agenda) is a way of describing the more immediate priority objectives of the EU for the period 2000-2010. It is called…
Strengthening the social dimension in Lisbon
In 2007/8, the EU considered whether to revise the “Integrated macro, micro and employment guidelines” that underpin the Lisbon strategy and process. Despite EAPN and Social NGO lobbying, no changes…
Engaging with the National Reform Programmes (NRP)
EAPN’s members in national networks and European Organisations have been actively engaged in the follow-up on the European Employment Strategy since its beginning, through the National Action Plans on Employment.…
Engaging with the National Reform Programmes (NRP)
EAPN’s members in national networks and European Organisations have been actively engaged in the follow-up on the European Employment Strategy since its beginning, through the National Action Plans on Employment.…
Employment policies: a general overview
The European Employment Strategy (EES): 10 years of Open Method of Coordination In 1997 The Amsterdam Treaty, with a new chapter on Employment has been an important step: whilst employment…