In line with the renewed Lisbon Agenda, the emphasis on jobs, competitiveness and growth might hinder a rather holistic approach to socio-economic development.
EAPN believes structural funds should be instrumental in meeting the EU’s social inclusion objectives, which implies strengthened focus on the following measures:
- measures efficiently tackling in work poverty
- “positive” activation measures
- measures allowing wider integration and empowerment of excluded groups
- capacity building for social NGOs
- social economy initiatives and inclusive entrepreneurship approaches
- infrastructures linked to social inclusion
Interesting links :
- EAPN guidance note on Social Inclusion Indicators (February 2008)
- Structural funds 2007-2013: what will remain of social innovation and past learning? EAPN comments on the Commission’s communication on programming documents (July 2008)
- EAPN briefing note on structural funds and the Lisbon Strategy (January 2008)
- EAPN contribution to the consultation on the Future of Cohesion Policy (January 2008)