Current European Issues

Societal participation and active inclusion

For the access to and the availability of affordable high-quality social services the European Commission proposes a comprehensive strategy of “active inclusion”.

“Social investment is key if we want to emerge from the crisis stronger, more cohesive and more competitive. Within existing budget constraints, Member States need to shift their focus to investment in human capital and social cohesion. This can make a real difference if we want to make real progress towards the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. Social Investment today helps to prevent Member States having to pay much higher financial and social bills tomorrow” declared László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Social Inclusion.

The European Commission has called on Member States to prioritise social cohesion. This means better performing active inclusion strategies and a more efficient and more effective use of social budgets. The Communication of the Commission offers guidance to Member States on how best to use EU financial support, notably from the European Social Fund. Working documents and recommendations focuses on

• Investing in Children,
• the Active Inclusion for people excluded from the labour market,
• challenges and policy options concerning Long Term Care,
• confronting homelessness and
• Investing in Health.

Activities of SOLIDAR

• Review the Commission‘s active inclusion strategy from 2008
• Review of the implementation status
• Further develop the active inclusion strategy by endorsing the education & lifelong learning aspect
• Illustrate members‘ activity in the field of active inclusion and social innovation practices

For more information visit EUROPEAN COMMISSION – Press Releases