EAPN Portugal recently started leading the “Bridges for Inclusion” project, with the participation of EAPN Castilla La Mancha (Spain), EAPN Flanders (Belgium), EAPN Bulgaria, EAPN Europe, as well as the Caritas Romania Confederation and the International Labour Organisation.
Improving social NGOs’ information and awareness of structural funds’ schemes, but also supporting them in developing their administrative capacity is crucial if we want structural funds to make a better impact in the fight against social exclusion.
Statistics released on 10 June by the Irish Central Statistics Office show that despite Ireland having the second highest levels of GDP in the EU, at 45.4% above the EU average, its poverty rate is still above the EU average.
EAPN Ireland concludes that the rejection of the Treaty highlights the need for a more social Europe.
EAPN Ireland calls on the Irish Minister of Social and Family Affairs to reconsider the decision not to involve people who experience poverty and organisations who work with them in developing the forthcoming National Action Plan on Social Inclusion 2008-2010.
In the run up to the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on 12th June, EAPN Ireland has produced a review on the social aspects of the Treaty. This review presents arguments for and against the Treaty, and examines the potential impact of the Treaty on the future of the European social project.