EAPN supports national pilot projects on Europe 2020 and the European Semester

In 2015, EAPN is supporting its National Networks in launching ‘Europe 2020’ national pilot projects aiming to raise awareness at national level amongst key stakeholders like decision makers, civil-society stakeholders on the Europe 2020 Strategy and European Semester process. They will also aim to build capacity and promote better participation of all stakeholders in policy- and decision-making processes. As this pilot initiative also fosters cooperation and mutual learning amongst the national networks and organisations involved, some of the 5 pilot actions will therefore be carried out by a lead organization or network together with another support organization or network.

EAPN and EAPN Hungary support demonstration against the Hungarian law criminalising homeless people

14/02 – In many countries, demonstrations are protesting against the Hungarian law that came into effect on 15 October 2013, criminalising homeless people who “reside habitually in public premises”. t is also the case today, in Brussels, at 11am, in front of the Hungarian Embassy. This law entails that homeless people in most of the districts in Budapest and in the adjoining communes are at risk of being fined, forced to do community-service or put into jail only for staying on the streets and squares of the city. EAPN supports these demonstrations and the Steering Committee of the Hungarian Anti- Poverty Networkhas also put forward a statement, calling on the Hungarian Government to withdraw this law.

Council of Europe discusses minimum living income

01/06/2015 – The Council of Europe at a recent meeting in Chisinau, Moldova, discussed the need for a citizen income.  The debate supported the need for an adequate minimum living income as a means of protecting human dignity and autonomy. The Rapporteur for the report is Ms Nunzia CATALFO, from Italy. Fintan Farrell, Project Coordinator EMIN, presented the results of the EMIN project.

EAPN Ireland: new steps forward in 2014

EAPN Ireland starts its first 2014 newsletter by commenting Ireland’s regaining of fiscal independence: “This turning point should focus our mind on what type of society we want to re-build and what political and economic decisions are needed to achieve an end to poverty and a more equal and inclusive Ireland.” You’ll also find the list of activities coming up on An Alternative Social Report and Plan for Ireland, Decent Work, Irish Social Inclusion Forum, Structural Funds, the European Parliament elections and adequate minimum income.

Member States must support investment in a strong European Social Fund (ESF) if they are serious about Poverty Target

{jathumbnail}Brussels, 21 June 2012 – Today, 18 social NGOs have sent a joint letter to Prime Ministers ahead of their General Affairs Council meeting on 26th June, urging them to back the European Commission’s proposal on the Cohesion policy budget and on the European Social Fund (ESF) for social inclusion and fighting poverty.