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.

AGE Platform Europe | Older persons’ rights should not be jeopardised by EU objectives on national fiscal consolidation and structural reforms!

22/09/2015 – The European Semester 2015 – the EU yearly cycle of economic policy coordination – has once more overlooked fundamental rights. AGE Platform Europe is deeply concerned that in the 2015 Country Specific Recommendations the social objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy have further receded to the background. Many reforms in social protection – in particular in pensions, health and long-term care – are now challenging older persons’ rights to participate in society, live independently and in dignity.

Social Platform | What would Europe for the common good look like?

28/09/2015 – On 30 September, the College of Commissioners will discuss what a new European social agenda should look like in practice. On 1st October, Pierre Baussand, Director of Social Platform, Barbara Helfferich, EAPN DIrector and other civil-society representatives will meet Marianne Thyssen, Commission for Employment, Social Affairs to discuss how to make Europe worthy of a social ‘triple A’ status.

2015 EAPN case study DRIVERS

EAPN Toolkit on how to develop focus groups

In 2015, as part of the ‘DRIVERS for Health Equity’ project, EAPN published a report and synthesis of case-study evidence on income and social protection, which is a joint EAPN and Centre for health Equity Studies (CHESS) work. Authored by Fiona McHardy with Olle Lundberg, this research undertook a case study approach exploring in a comparative country context, the impact of social protection system, both operations and provisions, on health inequality, in Hungary, Poland, UK, Sweden and Portugal. The publication also includes a very useful EAPN toolkit on how to develop focus groups (Annex 2 – Page 31). Open the Report and Toolkit here.

2015 EAPN case study DRIVERS

Report on income and social protection for the EU Drivers Project: Synthesis of case-study evidence compiled by European Anti-Poverty Network

02/02/2015 – As part of the ‘DRIVERS for Health Equity’ project, EAPN published a report and synthesis of case-study evidence on income and social protection, which is a joint EAPN and Centre for health Equity Studies (CHESS) work. Authored by Fiona McHardy with Olle Lundberg, this research undertook a case study approach exploring in a comparative country context, the impact of social protection system, both operations and provisions, on health inequality, in Hungary, Poland, UK, Sweden and Portugal. The publication also includes a Toolkit on how to develop focus groups (Annex 2).

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.