In December 2009, EAPN’s report on the crisis[1], drawn from members’ inputs, highlighted the dramatic social impact of the crisis and of the policy options taken.
One year on, in 2011, EAPN’s new report[2] highlights that the crisis is far from being over. For many, it worsens daily, with a growing fear that the worst is yet to come.
Today, it is not just the social consequences of the crisis itself which continue to cause concern, but the consequences of the negative policy choices made by Member States in their recovery packages, and the decisions over austerity measures. These wrong choices will not only risk increasing poverty and social exclusion but have a devastating long-term impact on social cohesion and the potential to build a strong and a more social and sustainable economy, which can deliver prosperity for all.
The lack of debate on the causes of the crisis, as well as the impact, and the willingness to learn from previous mistakes are also crucial.
The EU must re-affirm its commitment to the European project, seize the opportunities of Europe 2020 and the Flagship Platform against Poverty to tackle the social impact of the crisis and invest in people, decent jobs and social goods and take action, before it’s too late.
EAPN’s 5 key messages
1.The social impact is getting worse, as Governments’ austerity measures make the poor pay and undermine a sustainable recovery.
2.The social impact is being systematically under-assessed and ignored.
3.The crisis was not inevitable and was a result of deregulation and increasing inequality not public sector spending.
4.Another, fairer way is possible – towards prosperity for all.
5.The EU must restore the core values of the European Project, and use Europe 2020 to drive an ambitious social and sustainable vision
See more
- Read EAPN’s Key messages full document (in English only)
- More information here on the Citizens’ Agora on the European Parliament’s website
- You can watch all conclusions of the event online on the European Commission’s website
[1] EAPN’s Report on the social impact of the crisis and of the recovery package, December 2009
[2] EAPN’s Report: The European Project is moving backwards: the social impact of the crisis and recovery packages in 2010 (out soon – on www.eapn.eu)
