Category Archives: EAPN News

EAPN and EPSU send joint letter on Energy Poverty to Energy Union Commissioner Šefčovič’s cabinet

14/10/2015 – EAPN and EPSU sent a joint letter to the cabinet of the Energy Union Commissioner and Vice President, Maroš Šefčovič as a follow up to a dialogue meeting held on the 11 September. The meeting and letter highlighted EAPN and EPSU’s joint concerns about growing Energy Poverty, with an estimated 54 million (10.8%) of EU citizens affected by energy poverty in 2012 (See Insight-E study). Yet despite this failure, only 12% of the most vulnerable consumers are put on the lowest energy tariffs.

EMIN | ETUC adopts action plan in favour of EU Framework Directive on Adequate Minimum Income Schemes

02/10/2015 – Fintan Farrell, Coordinator for the EMIN Project and European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Project officer is attending today the 13th ETUC Congress #ETUC15. On behalf of the EMIN Project, its partners and EAPN, he congratulates the organisation for adopting an action plan in favour of an EU Framework Directive on Adequate Minimum Income Schemes.  “This is great step forward. Congratulations to Claudia Menne for her careful and considered handling of this issue. It is just one of her legacies from her time as Confederal Secretary“, he said.

EAPN speaks in Final Conference of SOPHIE Project: Impact of social and economic policies on health inequalities

01/10/2015 – On 29 September 2015, the researchers of the FP7 funded SOPHIE Project held a Conference during which they presented key findings of the research through moderated discussions with representatives of the European civil society and EU Institutions. The Project evaluated the impact of current social and economic policies on health inequalities in Europe with focus on the following areas: macroeconomic policies, welfare state, labour market, built environment, housing, gender and migration. The conclusions of the project bring data-based evidence reaffirming that restrictions and liberalisation of the EU economic and social policies in times of the recession and austerity measures have negative impact on the well-being of people. Sian Jones, Policy Coordinator at EAPN, discussant on the Panel on ‘Crisis, Austerity, Welfare and Employment’, welcomed the findings that good-quality social protection systems mitigated the impact of austerity and reduced health inequalities.

Economic Governance must deliver on social objectives with real participation from civil society

EAPN sends its contribution to President Juncker on Annual Growth Survey

22/09/2015 – EAPN sent yesterday its contribution to the Annual Growth Survey to European Commission President Juncker. As the letter highlights, EAPN has been engaged  in the European  Semester process from the start in 2011, showcasing the experience and knowledge from its members on the impact of EU policies on people’s lives. EAPN strongly hopes to meet with President Juncker to discuss the network’s contribution to the European Semester as well as adequate solutions for people’s well-being. 

EAPN reacts to Commission’s proposal for a Recommendation on the reintegration of the long-term unemployed

17/09/2015 – The Commission’s proposal for a Recommendation on the reintegration of the long-term unemployed is now out. EAPN broadly welcomes the initiative,  but highlights important shortfall, such as insufficient references to adequate income support; hidden risks of negative activation based on sanctions and punitive measures; the absence of references to quality of work and employment;  no mention of the role and involvement of civil society organisations. 

EAPN at EPC Briefing with Vice President Dombrovskis: Unfinished Business – what is needed to strengthen the EMU Governance

18/09/2015 –  At the EPC event today, Vice President Dombrovskis provided an update on the latest developments on deepening the EMU, implementing the 5 President’s Report. The main priorities up to 2017 were outlined as 1) implementing the macroeconomic rule through the European Semester, 2)  Financial Backstops and 2) Banking Union. The key slogan was ‘deepening by doing’ –   implementing closer macroeconomic governance through the European Semester, by focussing more clearly on Social and Economic Challenges and improving  visibility and ownership of the Semester by involving more Member States, European parliament and Social partners. Sian Jones, EAPN, intervened on 5 key elements:

Victory for citizens, victory for the Human Right to Water!

08/09/2015 – With today’s vote the EP demands that the EC make concrete legislative proposals to recognize the human right to water and sanitation as defined by the UN. This victory is for the supporters of the Right to Water and also for democracy in the European Union. This vote adds support to the 1.9 million signature collected, backs up what the candidates to the Presidency of the European Commission previously agreed, and the report of the Economic and Social Committee as they all call on the Commission to act.