socialeurope.de

"Sozialer Fortschritt" - new board of editors

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:21:00 +0100

Since January 2012, Prof. Dr. Heinz Stapf-Finé, director of the Europe Institute for Social Work, is one of the new members of the board of editors of "Sozialer Fortschritt - German Review of Social Policy".

For further information: http://www.sozialerfortschritt.de/?page_id=219

Seit Januar 2012 ist Prof. Dr. Heinz Stapf-Finé, Direktor des Europa-Instituts für Soziale Arbeit neues Mitgled des Editoriums der Zeitschrift "Sozialer Fortschritt. Unahängige Zeischrift für Sozialpolitik".

European Summer School 2012: >The Social Dimension of the Economic Crisis in Europe<

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:53:00 +0100

The 17th European Summer School 2012 will take place from July 1 to July 11, 2012 at Alice Salomon University for Applied Sciences Berlin.

Please read more information clicking the link on the left hand side.

19th European Social Services Conference

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:47:00 +0200

The European Social Network is organising the 19th European Social Services Conference in Warsaw from 6-8 July in partnership with the Polish Presidency of the EU. This year?s theme is "Building an Active and Caring Society: Innovation, Participation, Community". The European Year of Volunteering 2011 is a challenging time for all those involved in social services with the continuing economic and social challenge to public finances. This has contributed to a debate about its role in empowering and caring for individuals and neighbourhoods with a renewed interest in innovation, active citizenship and improving service effectiveness.

In this rapidly changing environment, this conference provides learning and networking across a wide range of areas, from children and families to long term care of older people, from integration of migrants to resource management, from mental health to employment.

Over 400 colleagues from 30 countries will participate. More information about this event is available on the conference website.

City: Warsaw (Poland)
Address: Sofitel Warsaw Victoria, 11 Krolewska Street, 00-065, Warsaw
Conference website

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

EU population older and more diverse - new demography report says

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:41:00 +0200

01/04/2011

The third Demography Report published in cooperation with Eurostat reveals Europeans are living longer and healthier lives.

A positive trend in the report is that fertility continues to rise slowly. It has increased from below 1.45 children per women to 1.6. However, for a population to be self-sustaining, 2.1 children per woman would be required. The report points to modern family policies as a good way to improve employment through better reconciliation between paid work and family commitments.

Life expectancy has also been increasing in an almost continuous and uniform trend at the rate of 2-3 months every year, and is the main driver behind the population ageing. At the same time, the demographic challenge is geographical with populations in four Member states (Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania) decreasing rapidly under the effects of natural growth (more people die than are born) and outward-migration.

The report also shows how Europe's population growth is still fuelled mainly by immigration. Non-EU citizens have been joining EU countries at a rate of 1 to 2 million per year and intra-EU mobility has also increased. By 2060 the proportion of migrants and their descendants will double. Although net immigration to the EU halved following the crisis the total number of non-EU nationals within EU borders still continued to rise.

In terms of intra-EU mobility, the new Eurobarometer survey shows that one in five of the EU-27 respondents has either worked, or studied in another country, lived with a partner from another country or owns property abroad. One in ten of the respondents plan to move to another Member State in the next ten years.

Source: European Comission, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

A year spent bringing the fight against poverty and social exclusion into the spotlight

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:27:00 +0200

With Europe coping with its worst economic recession in generations, the
much anticipated 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social
Exclusion proved an important stepping stone to making substantial progress
on these issues.

More than 80 million Europeans live at risk of poverty and social exclusion
?including 20 million children. The financial crisis has made things worse
by putting an estimated 5 million more people out of work, potentially
exposing many more families to poverty.

The principal aims of the European Year were to raise public awareness about
poverty and social exclusion and to re-invigorate political commitment
within the EU to tackle these issues.

It was also about showing solidarity with people struggling on or below the
breadline while helping them to improve their lives. Particular emphasis was
placed on vulnerable groups like single-parent families, immigrants and
ethnic minorities, elderly people and people with disabilities.

To make this European Year a success, the Commission joined forces with
national governments, local authorities, non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and civil society bodies, which developed hundreds of European and
country-level activities and events. The Spanish and Belgian Presidencies of
the Council of the EU worked tirelessly to support the Year and its aims.

The organisers were also keen to ensure that people who have experienced
poverty were front and centre when planning and executing key events and
activities.

Getting the message across
The European Year closing conference took place in Brussels on 17 December,
and was attended by more than 400 participants eager to learn about the
achievements in the 29 participating countries (EU Member States, plus
Norway and Iceland). Delegates were able to share good practice and visit
country stands where details of the many important national co-funded
projects which took place under the European Year were available.

The winners of the European Year Journalist Award were also announced at the
conference. Organised by the Commission, the competition aimed to give
special recognition to journalists who ? thanks to their treatment of the
issue and their ability to analyse the subject and illustrate it with
sometimes painful accuracy - have improved understanding of poverty and
social exclusion in many sections of society.

Prizes were awarded for both print/on-line articles and audio-visual
productions. The competition proved very popular with more than 1,000
entries submitted. National winners were put forward for the European
Awards, which were won by journalists from Denmark (print) and Spain
(audio-visual).

The Art Partner Project was another European-level action which helped put a
human face on poverty. ?(IN)VISIBLE ? When art makes individuals behind
poverty visible?, brought art students and people experiencing poverty
together.

With mentoring and support from NGOs, the paired-up teams produced revealing
and intimate photographs that explore the nature of poverty and social
exclusion.

A professional committee selected seventy of the photographs submitted for
an exhibition which took place in Brussels in November 2010.

Numerous publications and films were also produced during the Year and are
available on the European Year's website.

National flavour
The European Year organisers were very keen to make sure that each
participating country was fully involved. National Implementing Bodies
worked hard, often with the help of local anti-poverty NGOs, to develop
events and activities.

For example, the Anti-Poverty Network in Estonia encouraged people to send
in ideas on tackling poverty. The three-month letter-writing campaign
generated about 1,000 responses.

In Austria a theatre group performed a play about a family struggling with
debt in front of representatives from the national parliament.

In France, Secours Populaire Français (SPF) helped more than 1,500 children
take their first-ever holiday. They came from across Europe to enjoy the
French sunshine thanks to SPF volunteers who hosted the children over the
summer.

Political will, policy developments
The European Year generated a massive response among stakeholders, however
for it to be a lasting success the focus on defeating poverty must continue
well beyond 2010.

In political terms, EU employment and social affairs ministers showed the
way with a declaration which ?singles out the fight against poverty and
social exclusion as a priority for the Union?.

In fact, this commitment has already manifested itself in EU policy at the
highest level.

For the first time ever, the EU has a target to reduce the number of people
living in poverty. Europe 2020, the EU?s strategy for economic growth, calls
for at least 20 million people to be lifted out of poverty and social
exclusion by 2020. National governments are now duty bound to produce plans
to make this happen.

To get things moving, Europe 2020 has established a flagship initiative
called the European Platform Against Poverty. Officially launched in
December, the platform will help stakeholders exchange good practice and
develop closer partnerships.

Finding ways to produce better social policies and services to help poor
people will be high on the agenda. The platform will also work to ensure
that EU funding mechanisms, such as the European Social Fund, are deployed
effectively to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Significant rise in labour demand in the EU

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:02:00 +0200

The demand for labour in Europe increased significantly in 2010, mainly in
trade, manufacturing and non-financial business services, according to the
March edition of the *European Vacancy Monitor*.

All sources point to a positive development of the job market in Europe,
with increasing job vacancies and hiring, though not in all regions to the
same degree: European wide surveys (Eurostat), information from public
employment services (PES), temporary work agencies and online services.

Indications of tightening arise especially for occupations with growing
demand: craft and related trade workers, plant and machine operators and
assemblers, while they remain for technical occupations.

While manufacturing labourers are the fastest growing group of job finders
in Europe, according to the latest *European Job Mobility Bulletin* the top
5 jobs are:

   1. Finances and sales associated professionals: 11.800 vacancies in
   Germany, 2.800 in Belgium, 2.800 in France
   2. Shop sales persons and demonstrators: 6200 vacancies in Germany, 1.800
   in Austria, 1.300 in France
   3. Personal care and related workers: 21.600 vacancies in UK, 12.500 in
   Germany, 1.200 in France
   4. Stall and market sales persons: 20.000 vacancies in UK, 4.000 in
   Belgium, 800 in Germany
   5. Modern health associated professionals: 7.600 vacancies in Germany,
   2.900 in Belgium, 500 in France

Further jobs with rising demand are: cashiers, tellers and related clerks,
sales and marketing managers, as well as finance and administration
department managers, housekeeping and restaurant services workers, office
clerks with general clerical duties and electrical and electronic equipment
mechanics and fitters.

The *European Vacancy Monitor* provides an overview of recent developments
on the European job market. The *European Job Mobility Bulletin* is focused
on the analysis of vacancies posted on the EURES
portal by national public
employment services. These two quarterly bulletins were
launched within the Europe 2020 flagship initiative 'An agenda for new
skills and jobs'.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Human rights in Iran

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:23:00 +0100

EU-Iran delegation welcomes the Council's decision to extend sanctions to
human rights violators in Iran

Reacting to the decision by the EU Foreign Affairs Council decision to
extend sanction to human rights violators in Iran, Barbara Lochbihler,
chair of the EP delegation for the relations with Iran, said:

"The EP delegation for the relations with Iran welcomes the Foreign Affairs
Council's decision to introduce restrictive measures targeted against human
rights violators in Iran. For several years, most recently in the
Iran-Report adopted by the EP last week, we have been asking to not
exclusively focus sanctions on the nuclear issue, important though it is,
but to also consider measures against those responsible for grave human
rights violations. Now that our demand has been met, it is however crucial
that the decision be implemented as quickly as possible."

New strategy to empower people with disabilities

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:59:00 +0100

How can Europe
make goods and services more accessible to people with disabilities?

How can people with disabilities exercise their full rights as citizens
when so many remain excluded from society? These are two of the questions
addressed by the EU?s new European Disability Strategy.

In surveys, one in six people in the EU consider themselves to have a
disability or a long-term health problem ? that is about 80 million
citizens. The EU believes that these individuals are entitled to live with
dignity, enjoy equal treatment with the rest of the population, live
independently, and take a full and active role in society.

EU legislation is already in place to ensure that people with disabilities
are not discriminated against at work. Proposals are also in the pipeline to
extend protection against discrimination beyond the workplace.

Despite the fact that their rights are enshrined in both EU and national
legislation, many people with disabilities still face difficulties in their
everyday lives.

They are on average poorer and more socially excluded than most other
Europeans. They are also more likely to be jobless and have to cope with
limited access to goods and services such as education, health care,
transport, housing and technology.
Catalyst for change

In a bid to change this situation, the Commission has adopted a new European
Disability Strategy covering the years 2010 to 2020.

The Commission wants the strategy to act as a catalyst that can empower
people with disabilities so that they can enjoy their full rights as
citizens. It therefore sets out a range of actions across eight key areas,
which are: accessibility; participation; equality; employment; education and
training; social protection; health; and external action.

To move forward in these areas, the strategy has established a number of
activities for its first five years.

The Commission will consider drafting a European Disability Act in 2012. The
aim here will be to improve the accessibility of goods, services and public
infrastructure through the development of accessibility standards, and by
enhancing the use of public procurement to buy accessible goods and
services.

Efforts to improve accessibility in this way should be good for the economy
as well as society. The market for assistive devices in the EU is worth
about ?30 billion a year. Greater standardisation and access to an EU-wide
market allows for economies of scale and will help businesses sell their
goods and services more easily across national borders.

In addition, public procurement calls that include accessibility
requirements could make public infrastructure, such as railway stations and
council buildings, more accessible.

The strategy seeks to improve the participation of people with disabilities
in the political process. Actions include making election facilities and
campaign material more accessible through, for example, an increase in the
use of sign language and Braille.

Many EU member states issue disability cards that allow holders access to a
range of goods and services. The strategy promises action will be taken to
study and promote the possibility of mutual recognition of such cards and
related entitlements.

The strategy will also address the need to ensure that EU programmes are
used to help people with disabilities.

The European Social Fund and other financing instruments will be expected to
continue to support projects for people with disabilities. And the
Commission will develop education and training policies to meet the needs of
youngsters with disabilities through its new ?Youth on the Move? initiative.

Making sure that the European Platform Against Poverty is harnessed to help
poor people with disabilities is also high on the agenda.

In a bid to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities,
the strategy lays down a timetable to improve data collection and monitoring
and to suggest new courses of action.

The rights of people with disabilities must also be a guiding light in the
EU?s external relations activities, particularly through the enlargement
process and via the development programmes.
A city recognised for setting an example

The Commission has also established the Access City Award to honour European
cities that make changes to their urban environments in order to provide
greater opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Spanish city of Ávila became the first winner of this award. The judges
were impressed by the way that a medieval city like Ávila has improved
access to public buildings, developed accessible tourism facilities and
improved job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The award was announced at the ?European Day of People with Disabilities
Conference?, which took place in Brussels on 2 December 2010.

Delegates explored the experiences of people with disabilities in relation
to EU citizenship, studying and working abroad, social security and
mobility, and access to leisure and culture.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

In-work poverty and labour market segmentation in the EU

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 07:15:00 +0100

In-work poverty and labour market segmentation need to be taken into account more strongly in the EU's strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion in the future.

17 million workers in the EU are poor; they represent 15% of the 120 million people included in the new Europe 2020 social inclusion target. In-work poverty is, therefore, likely to become a more important issue in the future.

The European Commission has published an expert report that analysis in-work poverty and labour market segmentation and suggests how progress can be made on this issue.

It shows important variations in the scale on in-work poverty across the EU. According to national experts, these differences can be explained by structural differences in economies and the extent of labour market segmentation. However, the extent to which Member States intervene both to limit and regulate the amount of labour market segmentation and specifically to alleviate its worst effects (through minimum wage, tax and social protection policies) plays a very significant role.

Based on the analysis of the experts and the examples of countries that have implemented successful policies, the report concludes that progress needs to be made in four main areas:

   * raising public awareness and political priority;
   * enhancing data and analysis;
   * improving monitoring and reporting; and
   * enhancing the mainstreaming of social inclusion goals in economic
     and employment policies.

A synthesis report is based on a series of national report drafted by the Network of Independent Experts in the field of Social Inclusion commissioned to assist the European Commission in the monitoring of social inclusion policies. It is also intended as a contribution to the monitoring of the EU "Active Inclusion" process, which was launched at the end of 2008 and which is a crucial part of the EU's fight against poverty and social exclusion.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

The Measurement of Extreme Poverty in the EU

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:07:00 +0100

One of the objectives of the Strategy Europe 2020 is to reduce by 20 million the number of poor people in the European Union within the next decade.

To measure progress towards this objective, a number of indicators must be agreed on. Currently, the most frequently used indicator is the relative income poverty measure.

This indicator, while justified in many ways, presents some weaknesses and, especially does not properly reflect the real living conditions of EU citizen. Living under the poverty threshold in the richer countries does not involve the same difficulties than living under the poverty threshold in the poorest ones. The at-risk-of-poverty threshold is also very low in some of the poorer countries for example in Romania the threshold is ?1.71 per day per person.

The European Commission has therefore commissioned a study to investigate the feasibility of measuring extreme poverty at EU level.

After a review of the existing approaches to the measurement of extreme poverty, the authors of the study recommend to combine income and deprivation measures. This would reveal that there is some extreme poverty in all countries but highlight where there is much more extreme poverty

This approach would focus more attention on inequalities between the richer and poorer countries of the EU, and on the EU as a community of nations committed to the eradication of social exclusion.

The recommendations of this study could contribute to the work of the of the Social Protection Committee Indicator's Subgroup for the revision in 2015 of the poverty reduction targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Source: European Commission of Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Future cohesion policy in spotlight at the Fifth Cohesion Forum

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:03:00 +0100

Future cohesion policy in spotlight at the Fifth Cohesion Forum

31/01/2011

The forum will be the last opportunity for Member States and regions to make their voices heard before the Commission presents its legislative proposals on the future cohesion policy, due out by summer 2011.

Organised every three years in Brussels, the Commission has invited top policy-makers from the 27 Member States to a two-day event which expects around 800 participants.

The EU's cohesion policy - worth almost ?350 billion over 7 years - provides support for 455 national and regional development programmes across the EU. In the context of both the EU budget review and the Europe 2020 Strategy , a number of options for reforming the policy when the current funding period ends in 2013 are under discussion.

The event will look in particular at the role of cohesion policy in delivering the Europe 2020 Strategy -- which sets out the sustainable economic development blueprint for the EU for the next decade. Four thematic -panels during the event, each chaired by EU Commissioners, will focus on key components of the EU 2020 Strategy: smart growth, green growth, inclusive growth, and the territorial dimension of Europe 2020.

László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, and Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy, will be joined at the event's launch by Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland -- the countries holding the EU Presidency. Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of Lithuania will also take part in the forum.

With the publication of the fifth cohesion report in November 2010, the Commission set out its initial ideas for further simplifying and streamlining the delivery system of cohesion policy, and improving evaluation, performance and results through more effective target-setting. All the options set out in the report will be discussed in depth during the panels.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs an Inclusion

Tools to help close the gender pay gap

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:55:00 +0100

11/01/2011

In its 'Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015', the European Commission commits to supporting initiatives in the workplace which aim to encourage equal pay, such as the development of tools for employers to close unjustified gender pay gaps.

These tools include instruments designed to help employers, managers and human resources personnel identify if a company has a pay gap between its male and female employees. Such tools havebeen developed in countries including Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

The software calculates whether there is a gender pay gap and if this gender pay gap is due to objective factors (such as a person's level of education or years of service) or factors that cannot be explained and which, for the most part, it can be assumed are caused by pay discrimination.

If inequalities are found, advice and support is available to companies to help them develop solutions to close the gap.

Both the German and Luxembourgish calculators build on a Swiss calculator which was developed in 2009 by the country's Federal Office for Equality between Women and Men.

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Report from the European Union

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:47:00 +0100

13/01/2011

With its report "Towards a greener labour market - the employment dimension of tackling climate change", the EMCO Temporary Working Group on Employment and Climate Change, aims to improve the evaluation and monitoring of climate change policies on the labour market.

It animates the ongoing debate on the implications of the greening of the economy for the formulation of European and national employment policies.

The report embodies a broad policy-based approach on employment and environmental change, while acknowledging the complex inter-linkages between environmental sustainability on the one hand, and labour markets on the other. In particular it answers to a number of green questions, such as:

   * How to define the scope of green jobs?
   * Which are the green policies affecting labour markets?
   * What are the expected labour market impacts?
   * How to quantify green jobs
   * What about the international dimension?
   * Any impact on quality in work?
   * What are the implications for policy formation?

Source: European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

The European Union published 20/12/2010 the Monthly Labour Market Monitor December 2010

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:46:00 +0100

According to the latest European Commission Monthly Labour Market Monitor, released today, the labour market in the EU remained stable in October, with signs of recovery in some Member States.

The decline in employment in the EU as a whole stopped, with employment unchanged in the third quarter, following a small increase in the second quarter, while the unemployment rate in the EU has broadly stabilised.

Nevertheless, underlying unemployment in the EU increased slightly in October due to a new rise in both male and female unemployment. In contrast, despite a recent increase in unemployment among young women, the labour market for young people in the EU has been generally improving since Autumn 2009.

In spite of a faster than envisaged economic recovery, the outlook is still one of a rather jobless recovery and - potentially persistent - high unemployment ahead. Moreover, the need to consolidate the fiscal stance may have some important feedback effects on employment policies and employment in the short term, depending on the fiscal instrument used and the composition of the adjustment.

This month's edition also takes a closer look at the labour market situations in Austria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and the Slovak Republic. It also provides a glance at social situation trends concerning in particular the financial situation of households and poverty developments.

Source: European Commission, Emploxment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Employment in Europe 2010 report

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:14:00 +0100

The new report underlines how young people have borne the brunt of the crisis, with unemployment disproportionately hitting 15-24 year olds and reaching over 30% in some countries.

The rise in unemployment combined with limited opportunities to re-enter work has aggravated the risk of a surge in long-term unemployment or people leaving the labour market altogether. The report stresses that it might be some time before we see a clear upswing for jobs.

It covers in particular the impact of the labour market recovery measures adopted by Member States since the beginning of the crisis and also structural obstacles faced by young people in EU labour markets.

Assessing the possibilities of reinforcing existing measures, and the necessity of their phasing out as the crisis fades, is even more relevant now in times of fiscal consolidation. The report shows, for instance, that temporary public financial support in the form of in-work subsidies improves job opportunities for all groups, but can be particularly effective if specifically targeted at younger workers.

The crisis also highlighted the negative consequences of labour market segmentation between "insiders", or those working in protected regular contracts, and "outsiders", those in temporary jobs

As the report argues, more effective labour market inclusion can be achieved through the implementation of comprehensive flexicurity policy packages. This could include, as set out in the flagship initiative 'Agenda for new skills and jobs ', to extend the use of open-ended contractual arrangements with a sufficiently long probation period and a gradual increase of protection rights, access to training, life-long learning and career guidance for all employees. This would aim to reduce the existing divisions between those holding temporary and permanent contracts.

Hanging of Khadijeh Jahed an inhumane and cruel punishment

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:08:00 +0100


Iranian woman Khadijeh Jahed, known as "Shahla" (1),was executed by

hanging this morning in Tehran. Commenting on the hanging, Green MEP

and chair of the European Parliament's Iran delegation,

Barbara Lochbihler said:

"The hanging of Khadijeh 'Shahla' Jahed is an act of inhumane and

cruel punishment, which should be condemned in the strongest possible

terms. In doing so, the Iranian authorities have ignored the protests

of many activists, politicians and human rights groups against her execution.

It is truly sad that Iran has become the country with the highest

number of executions per capita. There are still hundreds of Iranians

on death row, waiting for their execution in terrible prison conditons.

The Iranian authorities should not allow this situation to continue

and should cancel all scheduled executions."



    (1) Shahla Jahed, who had contracted a temporary marriage with

Nasser Mohammad-Khani, a former Iranian national football player and

former manager of a team in Tehran, was accused of stabbing to death

Laleh Saharkhizan, her husband's permanent wife, on 9 October 2002.

She "confessed" to the killing in pre-trial detention after 11 months

in detention but withdrew her "confession" in court. The head of the

judiciary in Iran stated in early 2008 that there had been "procedural

flaws" in her case and that it is necessary to reinvestigate her case.

    Richard More O'Ferrall,
    Press and media officer,
    Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament
    Mobile: +32-477-443842 - Ph. +32-22841669 (Brussels); +33-388174042
    www.greens-efa.eu

Source: www.greens-efa.org

European Consensus Conference on Homelessness

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:19:00 +0100

The Consensus Conference will address six key questions relating to homelessness, on which there is a lack of consensus.

These questions were selected by a preparatory committee, consisting of various stakeholders in the field of homelessness:

What does homelessness mean?
Ending homelessness: a realistic goal?
Are housing led policy approaches the most effective methods of preventing and tackling homelessness?
How can meaningful participation of homeless people in the development of homelessness policies be assured?
To what extent should people be able to access homeless services irrespective of their legal status and citizenship?
What should be the elements of an EU strategy on homelessness?

Three experts will respond to each key question by drawing the attention of the Jury to the elements of dissensus that may exist.

Following the conference and on the basis of evidence presented, the Jury of seven people will try to find consensus on key issues relating to homelessness and how to fight against this phenomenon. This consensus will be published in a report that will serve as a basis for developing policies on homelessness at a European level.

The European Consensus Conference provides an opportunity to clarify the role of the EU in facilitating and help developing effective strategies to fight homelessness in the coming years.

This conference is the result of the cooperation between the Belgian Presidency, FEANTSA (European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless), and the European Commission, with the support of France.

From 09. Dec. 2010 to 10. Dec. 2010

source:www.feantsa.org

The Europe Institute for Social Work is moving!

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:45:00 +0100

Attention! On Monday 29th November 2010 the Europe Institute for Social Work is moving to a new office! For two weeks we won't be available on phone!

Reports about social protection and social inclusion in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:35:00 +0200

Two new studies on social protection and social inclusion for European Neighbourhood countries are now available on line: a study on Ukraine and a synthesis report on Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
The European Commission has published a study assessing the challenges that Ukraine faces in the areas of poverty, social exclusion, pensions and health/long-term care.
On the basis of this research and two previously published studies on social protection and social inclusion in Belarus and Moldova, a synthesis report for the three countries will complete this first cycle of the studies on social protection and social Iiclusion in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).
Continuing this series the Southern Caucasus region studies for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, together with a Synthesis Report, are expected to be published in early 2011.

These studies are in different languages availabe:

Social Protection and Social Inclusion in Ukraine in English

Social Protection and Social Inclusion in Ukraine - Executive Summary in English, Russian and Belorussian

Social protection and social inclusion in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine - Synthesis Report in English

Social protection and social inclusion in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine - Synthesis Report - Executive Summary in English, Moldavian and Russian

Source: European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Contribution of EU funds to the integration of Roma

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:34:00 +0200

As a follow up to the 2008 EU Roma Summit in Brussels and in the context of the European Year 2010 against poverty and social exclusion, the Commission is organizing in Romania in October 2010 High Level Events about the contribution of EU funds to the integration of Roma.

A national event will be organized on 12 and 13 October 2010 in Bucharest, and will be followed by two regional events in Cluj on 14 October 2010 and Iaşi on 20 October 2010.

These events aim at raising awareness about the opportunities offered by EU funds, promoting their use and improving the impact of projects supported by them. They are also part of a process towards a better involvement of the Roma in the implementation of the EU funds operational programs.

Who will speak: representatives from the Commission, from Romanian authorities, from civil society organizations active in Roma integration, etc.

To read the programs: click here Bucharest - Cluj - Iaşi

Who should participate: political representatives, representatives from national, regional & local authorities, potential beneficiaries, including municipalities and NGOs dealing with the integration of the Roma, etc.

Interpretation in Romanian, Romani language and English

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/social