Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2011-11-15-Speech-2-014-000"
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"Madam President, I wish to thank the rapporteur, Mr Frédéric Daerden, and the Committee for Employment and Social Affairs, for the comprehensive report on the European platform against poverty and social exclusion. The report is very timely in the current context of a severe economic and financial downturn across the European Union and the consequent impact this has on vulnerable groups in societies.
We need to promote the implementation of the three pillars of active inclusion: namely, active labour market policies, minimum income and access to services. The Commission will present in 2012 an assessment of the implementation of active inclusion strategies.
Finally, regarding the budget issues which Mr Daerden raised in the report, the Commission’s proposal envisages allocating at least 20% of the future European Social Fund to promoting social inclusion and combating poverty. We have proposed increasing the budget for the ESF by at least 7.5%, which represents a minimum of EUR 84 billion, or 25%, of cohesion policy over the seven years from 2014 to 2020. If adopted, this would imply a very significant increase, both in absolute and relative terms, in the support aimed at the most vulnerable groups in society.
I thank you for your attention.
First of all, let me recall that the first annual convention of the European platform against poverty and social exclusion, jointly organised by the Commission and the Polish Presidency, took place in Kraków. This convention brought together over 400 participants from 38 European countries, including Ministers and State Secretaries, other policy makers, civil society representatives, journalists, people experiencing poverty and independent experts. I was very pleased that Members of the European Parliament, including Mr Daerden himself, today’s rapporteur, attended the convention. I represented the Commission there, and I think the first meeting of this convention was successful, useful and forward-looking.
The convention took stock of the implementation of the poverty platform and it discussed how the different policy areas – employment, education, health, just to mention a few – could contribute to tackling poverty and social exclusion. This multidimensional approach, which was welcomed by all participants, should be further strengthened in the future in line with the European Platform; employment, education, and health, together with housing, are the key parameters in the European framework of Roma integration strategies, which is a major anti-poverty effort that requires European-level coordination but also support.
Mr Daerden, in your report, you underlined the multidimensional aspects of poverty, ranging from extreme poverty and homelessness to in-work poverty, but also the gender and age dimensions, and the specific questions of people with disabilities and ethnic minorities. The European platform against poverty and social exclusion alone will not be able to solve all the issues raised in the report, but it provides, in my view, a good framework for actions, and each and every one should accept their share of responsibility in tackling the rising problem of poverty.
Among the actions to be implemented and solutions, you mentioned that there is a need for a better monitoring system allowing rapid and accurate analysis. I agree with you. We have already started to develop such a system with the involvement of Eurostat and the indicators subgroup of the Social Protection Committee.
You also called for regular and critical monitoring of the Member States’ poverty-reduction targets. This is indeed very important. The current national targets will not allow the EU headline target to be met. Pressure is also needed from Parliament to ensure a higher level of ambition across the Member States which, at a later stage, can be translated into higher national targets. While the economic crisis is placing a huge pressure on national social protection systems, it cannot be an alibi for non-action. More fairness in fiscal consolidation can be applied and must be pursued.
I agree with you on tackling child poverty urgently and giving all children the possibility of fulfilling their potential, regardless of their social background. In 2012, therefore, I intend to propose common principles on child poverty covering support for families, access to essential services and participation.
Fundamentally, more and better employment is the most effective route out of poverty. However, the current economic situation is not conducive to employment growth and many groups, especially young people, have difficulties in entering, or staying in, the labour market. Against this background, the Commission will soon launch the Youth Opportunities Initiative.
Beyond conventional employment policy, the social economy offers opportunities. The Commission adopted Communications on a Social Business Initiative and on Corporate Social Responsibility on 25 October 2011, and I am sure we can do more in this area."@en1
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