This document is the report of the EAPN Conference which was held in Groningen (Netherlands) on 17-21 November 2004
Over 120 members and associates of the EAPN, from 28 countries and 12 European-wide organisations, gathered during the conference linked to the 2004 EAPN General Assembly held in Groningen, in the Netherlands, on 18-19 November 2004. The new challenges and opportunities presented by EU enlargement, led the organisation to re-examine and reinforce the aims that it set for its own future but also for the Union itself.
Views from national, local and European level, from the Dutch Minister for Social Affairs and Employment, the Mayor of the host town of Groningen, and the European Commission, alongside the views of EAPN members, provided a range of insights on the way that the Lisbon agenda can be considered a tool for social inclusion, according to the use that it is made of it. At the same time the importance of local action and commitment in local policy making that can also make the difference are underlined.