EAPN Ireland: Irish Government can prove that we’re all “stronger in Europe by supporting European target to reduce poverty

On 26 March, the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland welcomed the decision by European Union Heads of State to make the reduction of Poverty one of the 5 key objectives and targets for the EU’s new Europe 2020 strategy for the next decade. However, EAPN Ireland has expressed considerable concern that a decision on the adoption of poverty targets and progress indicators has been deferred until June.

EAPN meets Mr Van Rompuy’s Cabinet

On 29 March, EAPN and BAPN – the Belgian Antipoverty Network, together with the Social Platform held an important meeting with President Van Rompuy’s Head of cabinet: Odile Renaud-Basso. The meeting focused on the follow up to the Spring Council and the need to get agreement from Member States in the June Council on the Commission’s proposals, particularly on setting a target to reduce poverty by 25% using the accepted relative poverty target.

EAPN takes part in European Parliament Hearing on Minimum Income

Fintan Farrell, Director of EAPN, took part in the EP Hearing on Minimum Income held on 17 March. He called for the Parliament report to include a clear message about the positive impact of adequate minimum income schemes for alleviating and preventing poverty and promoting social cohesion and to counteract the negative stereotypes often associated to these schemes.