Will ‘Active Inclusion’ become a commonly understood term and a powerful symbol of the determination of EU Member States to cooperate to achieve a social Europe? This is the question the European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) raises following the adoption of positive conclusions on ‘common active inclusion principles to combat poverty’ at the Employment and Social Affairs Council (17 December).
“The elements of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services, are at the heart of the concerns of those who wish to see a social Europe”, said Fintan Farrell, Director of EAPN.
“If the EU Institutions and the Member Sates were seen to be united in a determined effort to implement these recommendations this could give a much needed new image to the EU. It could also be a powerful way to give a social face to the EU’s response to the current financial and economic crisis” added Mr Farrell.
For EAPN the next 100 days will be vital to see if Active Inclusion will be a real driver of the EU and Member Sates policies or if it will be seen as a technical exercise of concern only to specialists.
EAPN calls on the EU Institutions and the Member States to:
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Set targets for the eradication of poverty,
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Commit within the structures of the EU Inclusion Strategy (Social Open Method of Coordination) to engage all stakeholders in an active follow up of the Recommendation,
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Ensure active inclusion measures are visible in the proposals for economic recovery and the Lisbon Strategy,
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Generate a media strategy which would engage the general public in support for the Active Inclusion approach.
/ENDS
See:
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“Delivering Results on Active Inclusion”: EAPN Key Messages for the Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion (Marseilles, 15-16 October 2008)
For further information, please contact Audrey Gueudet (Communication & Press Officer) or Fintan Farrell (Director), tel. +32 2 226 58 50 – fax. +32 2 226 58 69 – E-mail: team@eapn.eu – Website: https://www.eapn.eu/
