The European Commission put forward, in 2008, a Recommendation on the Active Inclusion of People Furthest from the Labour Market (click here to see the full text). The documentbuilds on the 1992 Council Recommendationon common criteria concerning sufficient resources and social assistance insocial protection systems (full text here), and was developed following public consultation, and as a response to stakeholders’ demands for progress on adequate Minimum Income, as part of an integrated approach. The Active Inclusion Recommendation urges Member States draw up and implement an integrated, comprehensive strategy, based on three mutually reinforcing strands: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets, access to quality services. The actions should support those who can work into quality employment, while equally providing the resources required for a dignified life, and promoting social participation, for those who cannot work. Member States were invited to implement integrated strategies, combining the three strands, and include all relevant actors in the development, implementation and evaluation of the strategy.
Since the release of the Recommendation, EAPN has actively lobbied for its implementation, at both national and EU level, and its mainstreaming in main policy initiatives (such as Europe 2020, including the Country Specific Recommendations, the National Reform Programmes, etc), supported with EU funds, with full involvement of stakeholders, especially people experiencing poverty and the civil society organisations working with them. Equally, EAPN has insisted on the need for an integrated approach, covering the three pillars in a comprehensive way, rather than piecemeal approaches, which would undermine the coherence of the overall strategy. We also ask for integrated services, which benefit people, rather than increased surveillance.
EAPN has carried out a specific campaign on Adequate Minimum Income, insisting that accessible and adequate Minimum Income schemes are a fundamental prerequisite for an EU based on social justice and equal opportunities for all. Access all the campaign material (Appeal, overview of Minimum Income schemes in the EU, Explainer on Adequacy, Myth Buster…) on the dedicated website.
The Social Investment Package, published by the Commission in March 2013, includes a Staff Working Document report on the implementation of the Active Inclusion Recommendation. This document contains positive steps forward, but lacks a much needed implementation road-map. The main proposals include the development of reference budgets,as part of the Commission guidance to Member States to reinforce the adequacy of minimum incomes, as well as the introduction of one-stop shops to facilitate integrated delivery.
EAPN work on Active Inclusion (Documents and Events)
- EAPN Response to the Social Investment Package, including the Staff Working Document Follow-up on the implementation by the Member States of the 2008 European Commission recommendation on active inclusion
- EAPN public hearing in the European Parliament, hosted by Hon. Frédéric Daerden MEP: Active Inclusion: making it happen in times of crisis, July 2012
- EAPN’s Response to stakeholders’ contributionto the 2012 report on the follow-up ofthe 2008 Recommendation on Active inclusion, April 2012
- EAPN Movie: Pathways to Work. Unlocking a Door to Active Inclusion, and the corresponding launching event at the Scotland House, May 2012
- Active Inclusion: Making It Happen, EAPN Booklet: Policy into practice, September 2011
- EAPN Key Messages to the Round Table, October 2009
- “Delivering Results on Active Inclusion”, EAPN Key Messages for the Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion, Marseille, October 2008
EAPN work specifically on Minimum Income
- Adequate minimum income in brief: EAPN’s 4-page leaflet summarises what ‘minimum income schemes for all’ mean and EAPN demands, September 2010
- “Laying the foundations for a fairer Europe”,EAPN & BAPN Conference report, September 2010.
- Proposal for an EU Framework Directive on Minimum Income drafted by Anne Van Lancker, consultant for EAPN, September 2010
- An EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Income:A legal assessment written for EAPN by law firm Sérvulo&Associados, July 2010
- Adequacy explainer: A document presenting the definitions and challenges attached to the notion of “adequacy” and what we propose in terms of calculating “decent” minimum income schemes, April 2010
- What EAPN wants: A brief overview of our main concerns and demands regarding adequate minimum income schemes, 2009.
- Minimum Income Schemes Overview:A document mapping out the different situations in Member States regarding the accessibility, affordability, amount and conditionality attached to Minimum Income schemes, based on MISSOC statistics, 2009
- Myths and Realities: A paper by Prof John Veit-Wilson, offering strong arguments in favour of the idea of an adequate minimum income for a decent and dignified level of living for all, 2009
