European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) attends Annual Convention of the European platform against poverty and social exclusion with high expectations on how to overcome the past failures and finally progress on poverty eradication, with participation at the core of EU decision-making processes.
Brussels, 20 November 2014 – 38 delegates of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) from all over Europe are taking part in the Annual Convention of the European platform against poverty and social exclusion held 20-21 November 2014 in Brussels to press for the rights of people experiencing poverty and to help shape the next 5 years of EU policies with a view to eradicating poverty. EAPN goes to the Convention with a set of 3 key messages, calling on EU to put the voice of people experiencing poverty at the heart of a Social Europe 2020 and to use EU funds to invest in quality jobs, services and social protection.
“EAPN expects the Convention to review the progress on the Europe 2020 poverty target together with stakeholders, including people experiencing poverty, and propose solutions. The social cohesion of the EU, its recovery and credibility are seriously at risk, along with democracy itself”, said Sérgio Aires, President of EAPN.
“Participation starts with giving people a voice and developing a governance system in Europe 2020 based on regular, respectful stakeholder dialogue at national and EU level that takes on board their concerns and their solutions”, he added.
With poverty growing by 8 million from 2008 to 2013, i.e. 122.6 million people, EAPN calls for a change of tack, now that the Europe 2020 Strategy, which has failed on all its social targets, is being reviewed at mid-term and as a new Commission and Parliament are in place.
Notably, The 20% of the European Social Fund ring-fenced to social inclusion and poverty reduction must be implemented and used to fight inequalities and restore a rights-based approach, as part of an integrated anti-poverty strategy based on quality jobs, services, social protection and promotion of EU social standards. That implies putting people at the heart of strategy, and enabling them to take part in decisions that affect them.
EAPN’s 3 key messages to the Annual Convention of the European platform against poverty and social exclusion
- People experiencing poverty are an essential part of the solution
- Make Europe 2020 accountable to people and parliament
- Prioritize the social dimension and ensure EU funds deliver on poverty with social investment in quality jobs, services, and social protection
EAPN also brings the 10 messages from the 2014 Meeting of People experiencing Poverty (#2014PEP) which was this year focused on the funding of the fight against poverty.
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NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
See here EAPN’s participation in the Annual Convention – EAPN is participation in 3 workshops (Governance; Integrated Sercies and Benefits; Energy Poverty) and 4 side events (Active Inclusion of Roma; Integrated Services and Poor Mental Health; Securing Adequate Income Throughout the Life Cycle, Investing in Children).
10 Key Messages from the 13th European Meeting of People experiencing Poverty # 2014PEP
EAPN’s Input to the Mid-Term Review of the Europe 2020 Strategy Can the Strategy be made fit for purpose enough to deliver its promises on poverty reduction? (October 2014)
EAPN’s Assessment of the National Reform Programmes 2014 From Austerity to Inclusive Growth – what progress?(October 2014)
Figures on poverty: European Commission Eurobarometer 81 – first results (main report) – latest figures from July 2014 – figures concerning poverty on pages 26-27. The Annex can be found here with other the other reports.
NEW! Updated EXPLAINER on Poverty and Inequality in the EU (September 2014)
For further information and interviews, contact:
- Nellie Epinat (Communications officer), nellie.epinat@eapn.eu (Tel. +32 (0) 498 44 13 66)
- Barbara Helfferich (Director) Barbara.helfferich@eapn.eu (Tel. +32 (0) 496 58 38 29)
- Sian Jones (Policy Coordinator)sian.jones@eapn.eu, (Tel. +32 (0) 2 226 58 50)
The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) is the largest European network of national, regional and local networks, involving anti-poverty NGOs and grassroots groups as well as European Organisations, active in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. It was established in 1990.
EUROPEAN ANTI-POVERTY NETWORK
SQUARE DE MEEUS, 18 – 1050 BRUXELLES – TEL : 0032 2 226 58 50 – FAX : 0032 2 226 58 69
www.eapn.eu – team@eapn.eu – Twitter @EAPNEurope – EAPN on Facebook
