The well-attended hearing benefitted from input from the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, as well as evidence of successful projects, delivering integrated Active Inclusion approached on the ground, by EAPN members.
EAPN felt it was timely to take stock of to what extent are integrated Active Inclusion approaches implemented by Member States, especially in the context of Europe 2020 and the poverty-reduction target, as well as other social targets, such as employment and education. The event came in the immediate aftermath of the European Council at the end of June, and prior to the release of the Commission´s report on the implementation of Active Inclusion in the Fall. In troubled recession times, integrated Active Inclusion strategies all the more needed to provide the needed safety nets for those at risk of poverty and social exclusion, to recreate a solid floor for the economy, and to facilitate social and professional integration.
EAPN contributed the solid experience and expertise of its members in countries, highlighting our comprehensive publication on how to implement Active Inclusion strategies (see full text below). Three EAPN networks (EAPN Bulgaria, Hungary, and Sweden) and one European Organisation (FEANSA – though their national UK member Crisis / Skylight) presented concrete projects on the ground, illustrating the implementation of integrated approaches. The European Commission provided the state of play and update of the implementation in Member States, while Members of the European Parliament responded and made concrete proposals on how to take this forward, and ensure that integrated approaches are put in place, to protect the most vulnerable from poverty and social exclusion, in times of crisis more than ever.
Active Inclusion needs to be a key instrument for an inclusive recovery for all. The crucial role of Structural Funds in delivering this was highlighted by several speakers.
The event closed with the screening of EAPN’s documentary Pathways to Work, on how to ensure pathway approaches towards inclusive labour markets in four European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Lithuania, the United Kingdom).
Useful documents:
- Final programme of the conference
- EAPN booklet: Active Inclusion: Making It Happen
- EAPN response to the Commission Consultation on Active Inclusion
- EAPN documentary: Pathways to Work. Unlocking a door to Active Inclusion
Conference presentations (in pdf):
- István Ványolós, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission – PowerPoint
- Sian Jones, Policy Coordinator, European Anti Poverty Network – PowerPoint
- Izabella Márton, EAPN Hungary – PowerPoint
- Johannes Jörgensen, EAPN Sweden – Speech
- Debbie Hilton, Crisis / Skylight – FEANTSA – PowerPoint
- Maria Jeliazkova, EAPN Bulgaria – PowerPoint
For further information, contact Amana Ferro (amana.ferro@eapn.eu; 02 226 58 60).