This response is based on an extensive consultation with the members of EAPN. It reflects the experience of engaging with the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) at National as well as at the European level.
On the occasion of the informal meeting of the ministers responsible for regional policy to take place tomorrow, Friday 20 May, EAPN has issued a response to the Commission’s non-paper on the “Community Strategic Guidelines on Cohesion Policy in support of growth and jobs”, which is to be discussed at the informal ministerial.
The European Commission is currently preparing the ‘non-paper’ (working document) which will be the first document for discussion on the Strategic Guidelines for the Structural Funds for 2007-2013.
A new Eurostat report confirms EAPN’s point of view that holding a job is not always sufficient to escape poverty.
EAPN welcomes the initiative of the Commission to restart concrete attempts to develop an economic migration policy.
In its analysis, EAPN judges the EU Constitutional Treaty in terms of whether it provides the legal and practical instruments, and shows the political intention, to eradicate poverty in the European Union and provide social rights and a voice to people experiencing poverty, social exclusion and discrimination.
Gender equality remains more hope than reality in many respects. Despite some big steps forward, stereotypes and prejudices are hard to shift!
Reinforcing the EU Inclusion Strategy was the ambitious aim set out by EAPN in organising a conference on the occasion of the Luxembourg presidency of the EU.
EAPN welcomes the fact that the Lisbon Strategy remains focused on the three dimensions, economic, social and environmental, and that social cohesion remains part of the overall objective of this strategy… but expects concrete actions in the coming months.