{jathumbnail}EAPN calls on all Member States to make a historic step forward in EU cooperation by defending the Commission’s proposals for an explicit target to reduce poverty in the EU when they meet at the Spring Council on the 25-26 March.
“After failing to deliver any reduction in poverty levels in the EU over the last 10 years the setting of a target to lift 20 million European’s out of poverty, as one of the 5 key targets for the EU over the next 10 years, is essential to bring political commitment and attention to this problem which impacts directly on 80 million Europeans” said Fintan Farrell Director of EAPN.
“For EAPN the goal remains the eradication of poverty and the reversal of the growing levels of inequality in our societies which has such damaging impacts for everybody. That is why EAPN has insisted that the agreed EU relative poverty indicator, 60% of the median income, is used to measure progress towards this target as this measure as well as addressing poverty also focuses on reducing inequalities”, added Farrell.
“While we welcome the setting of a target to give political momentum to the fight against poverty what will matter now is how this is transferred to the national level, with different national targets and sub-targets to ensure that not only those most easy to reach are the focus of attention” said Ludo Horemans President of EAPN. “It is important that the national targets ensure a balanced approach to meeting this overall target. These national targets which should be based on a solid analysis of the reality of poverty and social exclusion in the country concerned should addresses fundamental issues such as, adequacy of minimum income schemes, homelessness, child poverty and the mainstreaming of equality and anti discrimination policies in anti poverty policies” added Mr Horemans.
For EAPN the “Flagship initiative to support the achievement of the poverty reduction target- the so-called “Platform against poverty” needs to be transformed into an Action Plan or Roadmap against Poverty and Inequality which is implemented through a reinvigorated OMC on social inclusion. This action plan, to be successful, must addresses the weaknesses of the current Lisbon jobs and growth strategy and set out clear steps and actions at EU and national level, based on the implementation of the Active Inclusion Recommendation already endorsed by the Member States and the European Parliament. The action plan must ensure a clear commitment to reinforcing the importance of the role of social protection systems in preventing as well as tackling poverty.
EAPN is determined to play an active role in the follow up and implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the revised social OMC. EAPN calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that people in poverty and their organisations are supported to be at the heart of this strategy.
EAPN will be preparing with its members a more detailed response to the Commission’s Communication prior to the Spring Council.
Note re Active Inclusion Recommendation
The EU Social OMC has developed an important Active Inclusion Recommendation which was adopted by Member States in December 2008. This recommendation provides three necessary pillars to tackle social exclusion and poverty – firstly, ensuring an adequate minimum income for a dignified life – as a social right and strong foundation for the society and the economy, secondly – guaranteeing access to affordable public services – particularly social services like a decent home, access to health and childcare and thirdly, positive active measures including education and training which should support people currently excluded from the labour market into decent jobs. For EAPN, a commitment to progress on a framework directive on adequate minimum income as part of strong social protection systems which sets minimum income schemes at least at the poverty threshold would be one way to ensure a follow up from this Recommendation.
Useful documents
- European Commission Communication on the 2020 Strategy
- Overview of responses to the public consultation
- EAPN key demands for 2010 European Year Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
- Key demands of the NGO Coalition of Social NGOs for the European Year 2010
- EAPN’s position paper “An EU we can trust”
For further information, contact Nellie Epinat (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: www.eapn.eu