2013-PEP-group

Poverty is not an accident but the result of political choices

Brussels, 21 June 2013 – The 12th European Meeting of People experiencing poverty was held from 18-20 June on the Esplanade of the European Parliament, with delegations from 26 European countries.

Mr Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament opened the Meeting: “I hope our MEPs show up and keep their promises. The promise of the EU was more social justice, more equality, more decent jobs. No surprise people doubt about democracy and justice in Europe. You are right, you must be loud, visible and audible. We are not ashamed of being poor, but of the existence of poverty“.

EAPN calls for greater coherence in EU policies to fight poverty

EAPN has written to the Ministers for Social Affairs prior to their meeting1 next Thursday and Friday 20-21 June, where they will take key decisions on the Social Investment Package proposed by the European Commission and on the Country-Specific Recommendations, as part of the Europe 2020 Strategy. In its letter, EAPN presents proposals on how to use these major EU Instruments to ensure a stronger social dimension for the EU. EAPN’s letter also includes key messages on the social dimension of the European Monetary Union (EMU), as crucial decisions should be taken on that hot issue at the European Council of Heads of States on 27-28 June.