The report demonstrates how the Lisbon strategy has continued to sideline social inclusion – leading in some cases to more poverty not less and continues to undermine the EU’s investment in vital social protection systems.
Brussels, 23 February 2009 – With 79 million people in the EU facing poverty, with growing inequalities within and outside the EU, EAPN is calling on the future MEPs to seriously commit to the fight against poverty and to the achievement of greater social cohesion.
EAPN welcomes some positive aspects of the Report, such as the will to go beyond foreseen NRP measures to address the current crisis, the underlining of secure job transitions, the…
EAPN welcomes some positive aspects of the Report, such as the will to go beyond foreseen NRP measures to address the current crisis, the underlining of secure job transitions, the need for adequate safety nets and minimum income, the emphasis placed in the stabilizing role of social protection, the special attention paid to vulnerable groups and the importance attributed to undeclared work, amongst others. However, this Report is a step back from the previous one and a number of missed opportunities were highlighted by EAPN’s report.
EAPN hopes that it will feed into the discussions on Lisbon leading up to the Spring Council.
For EAPN participating in the WSF was an opportunity to link the struggle against poverty in Europe to the struggle against poverty in other parts of the globe.
This new campaign aims to build a broad alliance starting with 3 key sectors: social and green NGO’s and Trade Unions to campaign for change in the post 2010 agenda – to build a social and green sustainable future for the EU.
The project is coordinated by REAPN (EAPN Portugal) and involves 5 partners: UREI – Languedoc/Roussillon, CARITAS Romania, EAPN Bulgaria, Belgium and Spain. It is supported by the ILO learning platform CIARIS and EAPN Europe.
In preparation for 2010, the European year against poverty, the Italian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs has appointed EAPN Italia (CILAP) to carry out a project.
EAPN Ireland said on 12 December that it is deeply saddened that Mr Niall Crowley has been forced into the position of resigning as Chief Executive of The Equality Authority.