EAPN - Advanced Training7th November 2006

Current Policy areas

Paul Ginnell, EAPN Ireland

Minimum Income

European Council Recommendation June 1992: to lay down common criteria on “sufficient resources and social assistance in social protection systems”

Many States implemented or developed different approaches to minimum income.

European Commission Communication “Concerning a consultation on action at EU level to promote the active inclusion of the people furthest from the labour market”

commitment to place the most excluded in the centre of the political agenda

Proposes 3 main elements: A link to the labour market though job opportunities or vocational

training Income support at a level sufficient for a dignified life. Better access to services, to help labour market integration – childcare

services, healthcare, counselling, lifelong learning, ICT, flexible work arrangements…

Activation

General trend across the EU to move those on social welfare payments or those outside the labour market (e.g. women, lone-parents, people with disabilities, older people etc.) into employment, often through reducing welfare payments, forcing engagement with employment services etc.

‘Flexicurity’

This is a model being promoted at EU level as offering the potential for creating the “best of all worlds”, by combining in one single strategy the seemingly divergent needs of companies and workers/unemployed. Key components are: High labour market mobility and easy hiring and firing Generous social protection (both unemployment benefit and social security for

those without adequate contributions). Active labour market policy, involving counselling, training/education and

support for re-skilling and upgrading competences as well as active support for getting a job.

The European Commission’s Joint Employment Report in 2006, reflected in the June Council decision, emphasizes a separate specific element of life-long learning.

Based on model seen to be effective in Denmark High cost Seen as high risk by anti-poverty groups but needs debate.

Social Services

Free movement of services seen as completing the internal market of EU after goods and people.

Services (Balkenstein) Directive McCreevy Directive

• Fears re: social services and Employment Conditions

Commission Communication on Social Services Should define what are social services.

Structural Funds 2007-2013 The Structural Funds are intended to be used by European Union

to support economic development in poorer regions of Europe; and social development for excluded groups in all areas. The Funds are the main financial instrument the EU uses to fight poverty and social exclusion.

Programmes European Social Fund (ESF) Operational Programme which

focusing on employment and Labour market issues (€680m) Southern and Eastern Regional Operation Programme (€262m) Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Operational

Programme (€420m) Cross-border/Transnational programme (€268m) PEACE III Programme (€52m)

The Structural Funds Programme 2007-2013 will be separate from the National Development Plan.