Starting from the experiences of people living on a minimum income, the conference will engage in a timely review of the role of minimum income in promoting a better life for all, and review the progress made, in the context of the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion. The aim is to press for concrete proposals which can ensure an adequate minimum income as a lasting legacy from the 2010 year that will directly impact on the lives of the 84 million people in poverty in the EU. Such proposals could include the proposal for a Framework EU directive on Minimum Income which would mark a historic step forward in EU cooperation to achieve a high level of social standards in the EU, in the context of the new Treaty.
Objectives of the conference
- Highlight the reality of living on a minimum income for people experiencing poverty and the social and economic impact of ensuring an adequate income
- Carry out a stocktaking of progress on guaranteeing adequacy and on follow up to the Active Inclusion Recommendation
- Exchange experiences no positive examples and methods of establishing adequacy, as well as alternative approaches to financing
- Identify recommendations no how to advance EU cooperation to ensure adequate minimum income, linked to a political declaration for the year and commitments under the Hungarian Presidency.
Download the programme of the conference.
Date: Friday 24 September 2010 – 9.00am – 17.30pm
Venue: MCE Conference Centre, Rue de L’Aqueduc 118, Waterleidingstraat, 1050 Brussels
Languages: French, English and Dutch. Whispered translation will be organized amongst EAPN delegations for those who need it.
Participants: Approximately 180 participants – consisting of 80 EAPN members (1 representative from each national network, 1 person living on minimum income and EAPN EU NGO members), 20 EAPN members from BAPN, 80 stakeholders from Brussels: social NGOs, social partners, representatives from EU and other national authorities, academics and others concerned with social policies.
Preparatory Session: For EAPN members, a ½ day workshop will be organized on the 23rd (from 14.00pm) to prepare together for the main conference.
This conference is supported by the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS (2007-2013) and the Belgian Secretary of State for Social Integration and Combating Poverty within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU (July to December 2010).
