This document is the report of an EAPN seminar held in Brussels, on 7-8 May 1998.
This publication aims to inform and support networks at Member State level to impact on their Government’s approach to the reform of the Structural Funds and on their Government’s plan for using Structural Funds in the 2000 to 2006 period. It is a report of a conference hosted by EAPN in May 1998. It provides information, ideas and suggestions for action that could be taken up by networks across the Member States. In this way, it is hoped to mobilise a demand across the European Union for Structural Funds to prioritise the elimination of social exclusion as an overarching objective.
This publication identifies clear points for urgent action at Member State level. These include the need for Member State networks to:
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Encourage their MEPs and National Governments to support a greater focus on the elimination of social exclusion and inequality in the draft regulations. In particular, this work could be based on promoting the amendments proposed by EAPN.
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Develop evidence of need and identify a programme of measures required to address this need. Work is then required to ensure this programme of measures is prioritised within new plans for Structural Funds now being prepared in each Member State.