Today is the deadline for responding to the Commission consultation on “Action at EU level to promote the active inclusion of the people furthest from the labour market”. As one of the main EU stakeholders, the European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) has sent its response to the Commission, in which it calls for the EU to confirm the basic right to minimum income, providing adequate income levels to sustain a dignified life for all, regardless of employment status.
Launched by the European Commission on 8 February, the consultation aims to identify possible guidelines for action at EU level, with a view to promoting the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market.
In its response, EAPN welcomes this debate on the need for a more effective minimum income strategy at EU level. It also welcomes the concept of “active inclusion” which sets out for the first time a comprehensive policy mix integrating a link to the labour market, income support and better access to services. However, EAPN calls for support to strategies that empower and meet the needs of all people at risk of poverty and social exclusion, without insisting on work as the only route.
