Commission presented a European framework for social and territorial cohesion
The European Commission has placed the fight against poverty at the heart of the economic, employment and social agenda – the Europe 2020.
In 2008, more than 80 million people across Union lived below the poverty line, that is 16,5 per cent of our population. Women account for well over half of them and 20 million are children. With the economic crisis, the situation has of course worsened.
In December 2010 the European Commission presented the further of its seven flagship initiative The European platform against poverty: A European framework for social and territorial cohesion. The Platform aims at creating a joint commitment among the Member State, EU Institutions and the key stakeholders to fight poverty and social exclusion.
The European platform against poverty and social exclusion represents the EU contribution to addressing these challenges within the strategy Europe 2020. The Commission has identified 26 key areas which have been delivered in 70 concrete steps and actions, among the others:
- White paper on pension
- Voluntary European Quality Framework on social services
- Initiative Solidarity in health
- Equity in education and training systems to support the European inclusive growth
- New agenda for immigration
- Step up effort to promote the economic independence of women
- Follow up to the European disability strategy 2010-2020
- An EU Framework for National Roma Strategies for the Integration of Roma
- Support the inclusion of digital literacy and competences under one of the priorities for ESF
- Promote the targeted use of Structural Funds (ESF and ERDF)
- Cooperation with the European Social Partners to support the implementation of the Framework agreement on the active Inclusion of the people further from the labour market
The European Platform against poverty and exclusion marks the start of a new phase in European policies for social conclusion and social cohesion.
Commission Communication “European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion: A European framework for social and territorial cohesion” (COM(2010)758) [pdf 109 kB]
Accompanying document [pdf 51 kB]
Vladimíra Drbalová
International Organisations and EU Affairs
