Szociális teendők magazin

ISSN: 1682-7783

ISSUE N° 23 • April 2010

European Year 2010:
Fighting against poverty
and social exclusion
Women still underrepresented in EU boardrooms
Europe 2020: Putting Europe back on track

The European Commission’s magazine on employment and social affairs

EDITO
B
y most standards, Europe can be considered influence in shaping public opinion and perceptions
an affluent society. More than 50 years of make them important allies in the fight to eradicate
economic growth and inclusive social policies poverty and social exclusion.
have brought about unprecedented levels of prosperity
and comfort for its citizens. And yet as you read this, Elsewhere in the magazine we report on the latest
almost 80 million Europeans are struggling to make Eurobarometre survey on discrimination in the EU,
ends meet, to clothe and feed their children, to keep which shows that discrimination, particularly on the
a roof over their heads. grounds of race and
17% of our fellow EU “as you read this, almost 80 million ethnic origin, remains a
citizens currently live Europeans are struggling to make ends problem across Europe.
below the poverty People’s perceptions
threshold. The EU and meet, to clothe and feed their children, are broadly unchanged
its Member States are to keep a roof over their heads” compared to 2008,
acutely aware of the but the recession has
iniquities of poverty and social exclusion and of how increased fears of a rise in discrimination based on
divisive they are to society. That is why they have age, as competition for available job becomes fiercer.
chosen 2010 as a special year to raise awareness Meanwhile, in this issue’s feature we examine the root
of these interrelated issues and to stimulate greater causes of women’s continuing underrepresentation at
effort to combat the problems they cause. The decision the highest levels of the business and financial world.
to designate 2010 as European Year for combating
poverty and social exclusion was made before the In our regular interview we ask the new European
onset of the current economic crisis. However, the Commissioner for Employment, Social affairs and
downturn has made thousands more people poorer Inclusion László Andor about his vision and his priori-
through unemployment. It is reasonable to argue that ties for action as he prepares to steer European social
the EU could not have picked a better time to press policy through the next Commission’s term of office.
home the message that we must all come together to
combat poverty and social exclusion. Finally, in the Other Voices section on page 26 Fintan
Farrell, director of the European Anti-Poverty Network,
In this edition’s “Special feature”, which begins on explains what needs to be achieved by the European
page 15, we take a closer look at the objectives that Year 2010 in order to guarantee a visible step
the European Year has set itself, and at the events and forward for the fight against poverty, social exclusion
activities taking place throughout the European Union and inequality in the next decade.
in order to help achieving them. We pay special
attention to the role of the media: their power and Robert Verrue

Focus On:
© Michel Loriaux -
European Union

© Getty Images
© Getty Images

European Year 2010: fighting Women still underrepresented Europe 2020:
poverty and social exclusion in EU boardrooms Putting Europe back on track
This year’s European Year will raise Almost 9 out of 10 board members Newly launched Europe 2020 strat-
awareness of the many forms of of the largest EU companies are men egy aims at smart, sustainable and
poverty and exclusion affecting p. 7 inclusive growth p. 21
European citizens p.15

2 Social Agenda – April 2010

COnTEnTs
G En D ER
Women still underrepresented in EU boardrooms 7

FREE MOVE M EnT
Free movement of workers in the EU still subject to restrictions 11

D IsCRI M InATIO n

© Getty Images
One European in six feels discriminated against 12

sPECIAL FE ATU RE
European Year 2010: fighting against poverty and social exclusion 15

Solidarity and a shared commitment 16

Driving the message home 18

© Getty Images
The crucial task of communicating 20

EU RO PE 2020
Putting Europe back on track 21

sO CIAL In CLUsIO n
Tackling the health gap 23

OTH ER VO ICEs

© 123RF
What the 2010 EU Year against poverty
26
and social exclusion can deliver at EU level
ITE M s
News in brief 4

Interview with László Andor, European Commissioner
27
for Employment, social affairs and inclusion

Recent publications 28
© 123RF

Useful websites 28

A magazine providing information on European employment and social policies, Social Agenda is published in English, French and German by the European Commission’s
Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.
Editor in chief: Robert Verrue, Director-General, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities – European Commission, B-1049 Brussels
65,000 copies of this issue were published. Subscription is free on request – please contact: European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities DG – InfoCentre,
B-1049 Brussels, Fax.: (32-2) 296 23 93; http://ec.europa.eu/social/contact
Notice: Neither the European Commission, nor any person acting on its behalf, may be held responsible for the use to which information contained in this publication may be
put, or for any errors which, despite careful preparation and checking, may appear. • © European Union, 2010
Non-commercial reproduction authorised, subject to acknowledgement of the source.
For any use or reproduction of photos which are not under European Union copyright, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holder(s).
© cover: Michel Loriaux–- European Union
Social Agenda April 2010 3

nEWs In BRIEF
GENERAL
The new European Commission took office on 10 February, in the Nordic countries and the Netherlands generally most
following the positive vote in the European Parliament on satisfied with their personal situation. According to the
9 February. László Andor is the new Commissioner respon- Eurobarometer survey, a majority of Europeans are satisfied
sible for employment, social affairs and inclusion, while with life in general, giving an average score of +3.2 points
Commission vice-president Viviane Reding is in charge of (on a scale of -10 to +10). But there are big differences
gender equality and anti discrimination policies as part of between Member States: the highest level of satisfaction
her justice, fundamental rights and citizenship portfolio. ❙■ was reported in Denmark, (+8.0), with Sweden, the Nether-
lands and Finland also having high levels. The lowest levels
of satisfaction were reported in Bulgaria (-1.9), followed by
Hungary, Greece and Romania. ❙■

Seven months after the launch of the “Erasmus for
Young Entrepreneurs” mobility programme, the first
participants are returning from their experiences abroad,
providing very positive feedback. New Entrepreneurs were
© European Union

pleased to develop the skills necessary for building and
running a business and Host Entrepreneurs have reported
about hopes for future cooperation abroad and the positive
László Andor Viviane Reding influence of a fresh perspective on their businesses. To date,
1200 potential New and Host Entrepreneurs from 24 EU
Europeans are on average broadly satisfied with their countries have applied to participate in the programme,
personal situation, but less satisfied when it comes to the with Spain and Italy leading the way (29% of New Entrepre-
economy, public services and social policies in their country, neurs and 30% of Host Entrepreneurs respectively). The
according to an opinion survey released 2 February. The advertising/promotion/media is the most requested sector
Eurobarometer on the social climate in the EU (15% of the current exchanges), followed by Education and
also found large differences between countries, with people training (10%). www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu ❙■

EMPLOYMENT AND EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND
Latest data for November and December 2009 show that The European Commission has approved applications from
EU labour markets continue to weaken, although Lithuania for assistance under the European Globalisa-
at a more moderate pace. Unemployment is still rising in most tion Adjustment Fund (EGF). The requested amount
Member States, but labour markets have shown stronger signs of € 1 185 569 will help 491 redundant workers in the
of stabilising in certain countries, confirming an easing in the clothing sector and 636 workers in the furniture manufac-
deterioration of the EU labour market overall. Nevertheless, turing sector to get back into employment. The Lithuanian
despite improving economic prospects and sentiment, the application relates to 1 469 redundancies in 49 enterprises
labour market outlook for 2010 remains unfavourable and is operating in the furniture manufacturing sector, one of the
only expected to show a gradual improvement afterwards. ❙■ first sectors to be affected by the economic and financial
crisis as a direct consequence of the slow-down in construc-
Crisis response measures and EU financial support have tion activity, both in Lithuania and elsewhere. ❙■
helped to stem the adverse impacts of the slowdown on EU
labour markets in 2009, according to a European Commis- On 16 November 2009 the European network of
sion report issued on December 15. But these measures must employment services (EURES) celebrated 15 years
be coherent with long-term employment reforms to prepare of activity. True to its aim of helping people find a job in
a successful exit from the crisis. The draft ‘Joint Employ- another European country, EURES brings together public
ment Report’ will be discussed by employment and employment services from 31 countries and offers direct
social affairs ministers in the Council in March 2010 and online access to over 700 000 job vacancies every day. ❙■
will contribute to the EU’s new 2020 strategy for growth and
jobs, due to be adopted by EU leaders in Spring 2010. ❙■


WORK ORGANISATION, WORKING CONDITIONS AND SOCIAL DIALOGUE
Trade unions and employers in the metalwork sector – are deprived
representing around 10 million employees –launch a from a fair share
new sectoral social dialogue committee. The new of the benefits
committee will enable the Council of European Employers generated by the
of the Metal, Engineering and Technology-Based Industries digital economy in
(CEEMET) and The European Metalworkers Federation (EMF) practice. ❙■
to sign contractual agreements at EU level. The committee
aims to help the industry – which is being hit hard by the Eurofound has

© 123RF
crisis – to face challenges such as globalisation, management published its
change and the restructuring process. ❙■ first findings of
the European
Employers and trade unions in the audiovisual sector Company Survey 2009– Flexibility practices
have adopted a joint opinion on protecting creativity, and social dialogue. In the survey, representatives from
innovation and jobs from Internet piracy. Unauthorised more than 21 000 companies were interviewed on the state
file sharing poses an increasing problem to the European of social dialogue at the establishment level. It also looks at
economy in terms of lost job opportunities and revenues various forms of flexibility practices at the company level,
for the industry as well as for governments. Companies in particular with regards to contracts, flexibility practices
are faced with a loss of revenues and return on investment in companies, working time and performance-related pay.
in the production and exploitation of creative contents. In More information is available on the Eurofound website:
addition, many authors, performers and other rights holders www.eurofound.europa.eu ❙■

PROMOTING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
The Council has given the go-ahead to the European In 2008, 17% of the population in the EU 27, just
Community’s becoming a party to the 2006 UN Convention over 84 million persons, were at risk of poverty.
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which This means that their income was below the poverty
guarantees that the disabled enjoy the same human rights and threshold. The highest at-risk-of-poverty rates in 2008 were
fundamental liberties as the rest of society. The Convention is found in Latvia (26%), Romania (23%), Bulgaria (21%),
the first international, legally binding instrument establishing Greece, Spain and Lithuania (all 20%), and the lowest in the
minimum standards for the protection and safeguarding of Czech Republic (9%), the Netherlands and Slovakia (both
a wide range of civil, political, social, economic and cultural 11%), Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Sweden (all
rights for persons with disabilities around the world. It is also 12%). Children (19%) and elderly people (20%) are more at
the first comprehensive human rights convention to which the risk of poverty than the total population. ❙■
European Community will become a party. ❙■
Around one in six people in Europe claim to have personally
experienced discrimination in the past year, according to
a new opinion survey released by the European Commission
on 9 November 2009. Personal experience of discrimina-
tion by respondents remains largely unchanged since the
same survey was carried out last year. However, there has
been a strong increase in perceived discrimination based on
age and disability, with 64% of Europeans worried that the
recession will contribute to more age discrimination in the
job market (see article on p. 12). ❙■
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Social Agenda – April 2010 5

GENDER EQUALITY
Parents will have the right to longer parental leave,
under new rules agreed by EU ministers on 1st December.
The revised Directive on Parental Leave will give each
working parent the right to at least four months leave after
the birth or adoption of a child (up from three months now).
At least one of the four months cannot be transferred to the
other parent – meaning it will be lost if not taken – offering
incentives to fathers to take the leave. The Directive puts

© European Union
into effect an agreement between European employers and
trade union organisations. ❙■

Vilnius

The European Institute for Gender Equality
(EIGE) opened its doors in Vilnius on 16 December 2009.
The Presidents of Lithuania and Latvia, Dalia Grybauskaitė
and Valdis Zatlers, along with Commissioner Vladimír
Špidla, the Institute’s Chair of the Management Board,
Eva Welskop-Deffaa and the Director of the Institute,
Virginija Langbakk unveiled the new premises at a ribbon
cutting ceremony honouring the launch of one of the EU’s
youngest agencies. ❙■

Both women and men have been hit by job losses in the
downturn but women face a higher risk of not
being re-employed and continue to be in a generally
weaker position in the labour market, according to new report
adopted by the European Commission on 18 December 2009.
The European Commission’s annual report on equality
between women and men shows that despite a generally
positive trend towards a more equal society and labour market
in the EU, progress in eliminating gender inequalities is slow.
Beyond the current crisis, the Commission’s report underlines
© Getty Images

the persisting challenges for gender equality in Europe and
calls for a stronger gender dimension as part of the EU’s future
strategy for growth and jobs. ❙■

INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL ISSUES
The European Commission has published studies assessing Delegates from EU Member States, candidate and EEA
the challenges that Belarus and Moldova face in the countries, key emerging economies, international organi-
areas of poverty, social exclusion, pensions and health sations, the academic world, NGO’s and social partners
care. They are the first in a series of studies examining took part in the International Conference “Social Protec-
social protection and social inclusion in the countries tion: Its contribution to Recovery” held in Brussels
covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). last December. The purpose of the conference was to serve
Forthcoming publications will cover Ukraine (spring 2010) as a forum between EU Member States and key emerging
the Southern Caucasus (2011). ❙■ economies to exchange experiences and views on the role
of social protection in recovery. ❙■


GEnDER

Women still
underrepresented
in EU boardrooms

© Getty Images
Almost 9 out of 10 board up the blue-chip indices of the local
stock exchanges all have less than
members of the largest EU one woman in every twenty board
members. The situation grows
companies are men predictably worse the closer one
gets to the top. The latest collection

R
eaching the top of any profes- of board members. On the positive of data for the European Commis-
sion requires a combination of side, it must be noted that this is an sion database on women and men in
hard-work, determination, talent improvement – in 2003 less than 8% decision-making found just eighteen
and, for most people, a little luck. And of board members were women – women presidents of leading
being a man does not hurt either, it but clearly there is still a long way to companies in the EU compared to
seems. In spite of recent advances, go. Across Europe in 2009, Norway 577 men. Indeed, there are fourteen
women in the European Union stood out as being the only country EU countries (i.e. more than half the
continue to be under-represented in all where large companies have boards total) where not one constituent of the
forms of leadership positions, particu- with anything approaching gender blue-chip index of leading companies
larly on corporate boardrooms. A new equality, with just under 42% women has a woman president.
report on women in senior positions and 58% men – a direct result of the
released by the European Commis- legal quota implemented three years Clearly there still is a long way to go
sion to coincide with International earlier. Within the EU, Sweden and to ensure anything approaching a
Women’s Day paints an eloquent Finland are the only two countries with balanced gender representation in
picture: in 2009 women accounted for more than 20% women on boards the boardroom. And yet, there is a
an average of just 3% of the presidents (26.8% and 23.6% respectively). In growing body of evidence showing
of the largest companies in each of the Luxembourg, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy that companies where women are
EU member States, and less than 11% and Malta, the companies that make most strongly represented are also


the companies that perform best been a central preoccupation for
financially. Recent events have shown policy-makers both at EU and national
that companies with more women level. Over the years legislation has
in management have survived the been introduced to ensure women’s

© 123RF
financial crisis better, and as markets equal treatment in the workplace,
around the world keep tumbling, the and to help them combine work and
evidence grows stronger. family life through the availability of also increased incentives for fathers
flexible working arrangements as well to spend more time caring for they
Writing in The Financial Times last as childcare services and infrastruc- children. Britain, Germany and, above
year, French management professor ture. Different countries have adopted all, the Netherlands are keen on
Michel Ferrary noted that the only different solutions to the problem of mothers working part-time. It is difficult
large French company to record combining work and parenthood. to evaluate the relative merits of these
a share price gain in 2008 was Some stress the importance of very various arrangements. What is certain
Hermès, whose management is 55% young children spending time with is that the trend towards more women
women, the second largest share their mothers. Austria, the Czech working looks set to continue. In the
among French blue chips. In general, Republic, Finland and Hungar y European Union, women have filled
companies with a management at provide up to three years of paid leave 6m of the 8m new jobs created since
least 38% women suffered less than for mothers. Germany has introduced 2000. In America, three out of for
the CAC 40 benchmark index (though a “parent’s salary” or Elterngeld to people made jobless by the recession
no others than Hermès posted a gain encourage mothers to stay at home. are men. Women will also benefit from
in share price, but then who did Other countries put more emphasis the increasing “war for talent”. The
in 2008?). By contrast, the largest on preschool education – the Nordic combination of an ageing workforce
declines were recorded by companies countries in particular are keen on and a more skill-dependent economy
with at least 75% male management. getting women back to work and means that countries will have to make
Ferrary compared the performance children into kindergartens. They better use of their female populations.
of French banking giant BNP Paribas,
where 38.7% of managers are women
and which experienced a drop in its PROMOTING ROLE MODELS
share price of 39% in 2008, with that Aside from the efforts of individual companies, there are different ways
of Credit Agricole, where only 16%of of raising the profile of successful women so that they become more
managers are women and whose accessible as potential role models.
share price plummeted by more than
• Each year the Finnish weekly magazine Talouselämä (Financial Life)
62% over the same period.
publishes a special issue on women directors. It also organises an annual
gala for women directors, covered in a feature article, and publishes a
This is because during crises, investors
top-100 ranking of Finnish businesswomen.
reward companies that are stable and
avoid high risks. “A larger propor- • The First Women Awards were established in the United Kingdom by
tion of female managers appears to Real Business magazine in co-operation with the CBI (Confederation for
balance the risk-taking behaviour of British Industry). The awards aim to recognise women in business who
their male colleagues.” Ferrary writes. are “glass ceiling breakers” and “whose achievement and individual
“Gender diversity supports managerial actions have helped and are helping to remove barriers and open up
efficiency by creating a more diverse opportunities for others to follow”.
culture and favouring the exploration • The Brussels-based Eurochambres Women Network, representing
of different business opportunities.” chambers of commerce and industry across Europe, has published a
brochure presenting a number of successful European businesswomen
So why aren’t more women reaching who have overcome stereotypical obstacles in the course of their profes-
the upper echelons of economic and sional careers.
financial management? They do after • The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards support women entrepreneurs,
all represent 51% of the EU popula- foster their development, and celebrate their successes. The awards,
tion, 45% of its workforce and no less which take place in five different locations covering all countries in the
than 60% of its university graduates. world, recognise business plans that include social aspects as well as
Improving women’s access and partici- profit-making.
pation in the labour market has long


Goldman Sachs calculates that, leaving the people that currently take the firms have increased their efforts to
other things equal, increasing women’s decisions inside companies, because maintain connections with women who
participation in the labour market to they are the only ones that can directly take time off to have children and then
male levels will boost GDP by 21% in influence company policy on recruit- ease them back into work. Companies
Italy, 19% in Spain, 9% in France and ment and career progression and the are even rethinking careert structures,
Germany and 8% in Britain. selection of their peers and succes- as people live and work longer.
sors. Creating a diverse culture implies Barclays is one of many firms that
But while social policies may be more a critical mass of female managers. allow five years’ unpaid leave, while
or less favourable to women’s employ- To reach this point, companies must UK retailing group John Lewis offers
ment, corporate models – historically recruit more women, promote them a six-month paid sabbatical to people
designed by men – form the pillars and train them when the labour market who have been in the company for
that keep the so-called glass ceiling does not supply enough. To be fair, the 25 years. Companies are allowing
firmly in place. The dominant model corporate world is doing ever more to people to phase their retirement.
in the business world equates leader- address the loss of female talent and Child-bearing years will thus make
ship with unfailing availability and the difficulty of combining work with up a smaller proportion of women’s
total geographical mobility, with no childcare. Many elite companies are potential working lives, so that spells
space for career breaks. It is a model rethinking their promotion practices. out of the labour force will become less
that is hard to combine with family Ernst & Young and other accountancy a mark of female exceptionalism.
life and its attendant constraints
(maternity, child-rearing, the organisa- Figure 1 - Beijing follow-up indicators
tion of family life, care of the elderly
etc.) which remain overwhelmingly the The proportion of women among the presidents/chairpersons
responsibility of women, the so-called of the highest decision-making body of the largest publicly quoted firms
“double burden”. It is little wonder on the national stock exchange
then that in a study by Eurochambres 2003* 2007 2008 2009
in six EU Member States 90% of the EU-15 average 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 1.6%
women interviewed agreed that men EU-27 average 2.2% 2.9% 2.9% 3.0%
are in a better position to progress in
their career because women drop out The proportion of women among members of the highest decision-making
due to family constraints, and 80% body of the largest publicly quoted firms on the national stock exchange
saw motherhood as an obstacle to 2003* 2007 2008 2009
their careers. And of course one of
EU-15 average 7.0% 8.9% 9.4% 10.9%
the negative consequences of women
EU-27 average 7.8% 10.3% 10.8% 10.9%
having to adapt to male-imposed
*2003 EU-27 averages include 2004 data for CZ, LT, MT and PL
patterns in order to succeed is the
perpetuation of the very models that
constitute the most formidable obstacle Figure 2 - Gender balance amongst board members
to women’s careers. of the largest publicly listed companies, 2009
Legislation has already lowered 100%
the barriers facing women in the 90% Women Men
workplace and further developments 80%
should contribute to a continued, but 70%
gradual, breakdown of stereotypes – 60%
for example, making leave arrange-
50%
ments equally available to men and
40%
women should help to diminish the
view that early-stage child care is 30%

solely a female responsibility. 20%
10%
But the most important initiatives to 0%
LU CY PT IT MT EL EE AT BE IE TR PL ES SI FR EU-27 RO UK DE CZ HU RS HR NL LT IS MK LV BG DK SK FI SE NO
promote gender equality in business
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL, Database on women and men in decision-making.
will have to come from within – from


© European Union
ESF in Bulgaria - Career progression
A
s a regional manager for a dynamic person who likes to be doing Social Fund. The courses involved
large chain of filling stations things. I get restless easily.” team-building, role playing, discus-
33-year-old Biliana Filipova, sions and problem solving exercises.
from Dupnitsa in Bulgaria, spends She began to work in the textile It helped her develop the skills that
much of her time on the road, travel- sector, in a role related to her studies. she needs in her new role – whether
ling between 19 filling stations. She has However, after a year and a half dealing with people, making decisions,
overall responsibility for the day-to-day working for two different companies, prioritising and coping with difficult
running of the stations, with her duties she realised she wanted to do situations. “It helped me a lot with the
ranging from managing personnel, to something different. “Sometimes you job, and also skills for life in general.
ensuring equipment is maintained and need to change completely to find It really made me think about how you
stock is ordered, to dealing with legal satisfaction. I needed a new challenge go about finding solutions to a given
issues, and responding to emergencies to get energised.” problem,” she says.
such as floods.
She heard that there were opportu- Thinking of the future, Biliana says:
Promoted to her current position in nities working for Petrol, formerly “I’m not sure what I want exactly,
March 2008, she was previously a state-run network and still one of but I know that I want to continue to
managing a single station. “There’s the largest chains of fuel stations in improve and develop myself. First
a lot more responsibility,” she says. Bulgaria. She was offered an interview I need to prove myself in this role.”
“But I knew what the job involved for a position in management, but Back home, her life is just as busy.
as I used to cover for the regional instead she chose to go for a job as Renovating the family home with
manger before.” a cashier. “I didn’t want to go for a her husband is an on-going – and
management position straight away, long-term – project. “We started the
She outlines the qualities that she needs she says. I wanted to start at a lower renovations five years ago,” she says,
in her role: “I’m able to stay calm and level as I didn’t know anything about but we still have to do more work
react quickly – that’s important. And I this business.” before we can live in it,” she says,
often have to deal with lots of things at adding that a few years ago all three
the same time. I have to prioritise and The move paid off. Starting to work of them were living in one room while
be well-organised. for the company in 2002, she applied work was being done. The rest of her
herself to the job and quickly worked time is spent looking after Joanna, who
Biliana originally studied industrial her way up through the ranks. “Starting is now 10, and seeing her extended
engineering, specialising in technolo- as a cashier helped me a lot. Now I family. “I have two younger sisters and
gies for clothes production. After know the job from the inside. I know my husband has a brother. We all live
finishing her five-year Masters’ where managers can miss things.” around here and we’re very close.
course, she had her daughter, Joanna. All the families get together with our
“I didn’t work for three years after She took part in a series of intensive parents at weekends. “My priorities
that,” she says. “But I began to get sick training sessions co-funded by the are my family and my job. I work hard
of spending all my time at home. I’m a European Union through the European to ensure our security.”


FREE MOVEMEnT
Free movement of
workers in the EU still
subject to restrictions
More member states removed According to the Accession Treaty,
member States do not need the

barriers labour market access Commission’s permission in order to
continue applying national measures
for workers from the new on labour market access during
the transitional period, however,
Member states in 2009 but commenting on the notifications by
the three countries, the then employ-
restrictions remain ment and social affairs Commis-
sioner Vladimir Špidla agreed that

F
ive years after the historic market access in comparison to the free the labour markets of Germany,
enlargement of the EU by ten new access granted by EU law. The overall Austria and the UK were seriously
Member States, the transitional transitional period of seven years is disturbed and recognised that
arrangements that allow the other divided into three phases (lasting two, additional inflows of EU-8 workers
Member States to temporarily restrict three and another two years respec- as a result of ending restrictions,
the access to their labour markets for tively), and different conditions apply even if small, were a valid factor
workers from these countries (except during each phase. to justify maintaining these restric-
Cyprus and Malta) have entered into tions into place. At the same time,
the third and final phase, and the Belgium and Denmark ended their he urged especially Germany and
transitional arrangements for workers restrictions on labour market access Austria to work towards the progres-
from Bulgaria and Romania into the for workers from the EU-8 Member sive opening of their labour markets
second phase. States as of the beginning of the third to EU-8 workers by 2011.
and final phase on 1 May 2009, thus
To recall, free movement of workers bringing the number of Member States With the beginning of the second
was gradually introduced in the six where EU-8 workers now enjoy the phase of the transitional arrange-
original member States of the European complete right of free movement to ments for workers from Bulgaria and
Economic Community between 1958 12 (out of 15). Romania on 1 January 2009, Spain,
and 1968, but temporary restric- Greece, Portugal and Hungary decided
tions applied for workers from The remaining three member States to end restrictions on labour market
Greece, Portugal and Spain when - Germany, Austria and the United access. As Denmark decided to do the
these countries joined the Union in the Kingdom - on the other hand, notified same from 1 May 2009, Bulgarian
1980s. With the last two EU enlarge- the Commission in April 2009 of serious and Romanian workers now enjoy full
ments, Member States were again disturbances occurring on their labour free movement rights under EU law in
given the possibility to restrict access markets, and therefore according to the a total of 14 out of 25 Member States.
to their labour markets for a maximum terms of the Accession Treaty national In the Czech Republic they do not
of seven years after accession. During law on labour market access continues need to apply for a work permit but in
this period, Member States may ask to apply after 1 May 2009, until the remaining ten Member States that
workers from eight of the ten countries 30 April 2011 at the latest. In Germany continue to restrict the labour market
that joined the EU in 2004 (“EU-8”) and and Austria this means that EU-8 access of workers from Bulgaria and
from Bulgaria and Romania (“EU-2”), workers need a work permit, while the Romania, the existence of different
which joined in 2007, to comply with United Kingdom allows workers to start national measures mean that legal
national law if they want to work in employment but asks them to register procedures and conditions for labour
their country, thus restricting labour this work within 30 days. market access can vary considerably.


DIsCRIMInATIOn

One European in six feels
discriminated against

© 123RF
new survey confirms race, Equality Summit under the Swedish
age and disability to be Presidency. 26 756 people were
interviewed in 30 countries. For the
the most common grounds first time, the survey also covered the
three Candidate Countries: Croatia,
of discrimination the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) and Turkey.

A
round one in six people This is the third Special Euroba- New questions were added, notably
in Europe claim to have rometer survey carried out by the to gauge the impact of the economic
personally experienced European Commission on attitudes downturn on the level of perceived
discrimination in the past year, to discrimination in the EU. It aims discrimination.
according to a new opinion survey to track perceptions of people in
released by the European Commis- Europe towards different forms of As in previous similar surveys, discrim-
sion. Meanwhile, 64% of Europeans discrimination and diversity. ination on the ground of ethnic origin
are concerned that the recession will is seen to be the most widespread
contribute to more age discrimina- The sur vey was made public in form of discrimination in the EU (61%),
tion in the job market. November 2009 before the third followed by discrimination based


on age (58%) and disability (53%). These data point to a strong relation- ence discrimination and/or that
While perceptions of ethnic discrimi- ship between citizens defining the experience of discrimination or
nation remain stable (62% in 2008), themselves as part of a minority harassment is a significant factor in
there has been a significant increase group and the experience of discrim- citizens perceiving themselves to be
since the 2008 survey in the number ination, and this is particularly a ‘minority’ in these term.
of people who consider that discrimi- notable in the case of discrimina-
nation based on age (+16 percentage tion on the grounds of disability, Overall, only one in three Europeans
points since 2008) and disability (+8) ethnicity and sexual orientation. For are aware of their rights should they
are the most widespread. example, a quarter of Europeans become victims of discrimination or
who say that they belong to a harassment. However, this figure masks
There is a clear link with the current minority group in terms of ethnic considerable differences at national
economic situation, with 64% of origin also say that they have felt level. Awareness has increased since
people expecting the downturn to lead discriminated against on these the last survey in 2008 in the UK
to more age discrimination in the job grounds in the last 12 months. This (+8 points), France (+7), Ireland and
market. This may reflect both the rising suggests either that self-perceived Sweden (each +6), but fallen in Poland
unemployment among young people minorities are more likely to experi- (-12) and Portugal (-11).
in many EU countries as a result of the
slowdown but also growing awareness
of these forms of discrimination. Perception of discrimination on the basis of…
In addition, 48% of respondents – % EU
consider one’s age to be a disadvan- Rare Widespread
…ethnic origin
tage when seeking employment. This 2009 32 61
increase of three percent with respect to 2008 33 62
last year’s level sees age becoming the …age
most common perceived disadvantage 2009
2008
37
52
58
42
when seeking a job (together with a …disability
candidate’s look, dress and presentation) 2009 41 53
and will no doubt colour public percep- 2008 49 45
tion of the crisis as jobs become scarcer …sexual orientation
43 47
2009
than they have been for many years. 2008 41 51
…gender
Finally, there is an expectation that 2009 53 40
2008 56 36
the crisis is likely to have a generally
…of religion or belief
negative effect on action to tackle 2009 53 39
discrimination in terms of political and 2008 51 42
financial priority given by governments.
NB: “Don’t know” and “non-existent” (SPONTANEOUS) answers are not shown
Overall, 49% of Europeans expect less
priority to be given to discrimination
policies as a result of the economic Do you think that the economical crisis will contribute
situation, while 34% disagree. to an increase of discrimination on the basis of…
in the labour market? – %EU27
Personal experience of discrimina-
tion by respondents remains largely Yes No DK
unchanged since the same survey Age 64% 29% 7%
was carried out last year, with age
Ethnic origin 57% 34% 9%
being the most common reason (6%
Disability 56% 36% 8%
of respondents). Overall, 16% of
Europeans reported experiencing Gender 43% 49% 8%
discrimination (on the basis of race/ Religion or belief 42% 49% 9%
ethnic origin, religion, age, disability Sexual orientation 37% 52% 11%
or sexual orientation) in 2009, the Source: Eurobarometer 317
same level as in 2008.


In terms of reporting cases of discrimi- better acceptance of diversity. Efforts financially to national awareness-
nation, most Europeans would first and policies that seek to work with this raising campaigns organized under
contact the police (55%), while 35% reality will no doubt further contribute the PROGRESS programme (around
would get in touch with their equality to combating discrimination and 35 projects each year totalling
body and 27% with a trade union. promoting diversity. € 5.6 million in the last two years)
Confidence in the various organisa- as well as supporting training for
tions working with discrimination What is the Commission law professionals, NGOs and social
issues however strongly differs from doing to change attitudes? partners on how to use EU equality
one country to another. law .In addition, the Commission also
Raising public awareness is a runs a series of networks bringing
While many people consider that more long-term process which requires joint together key actors in the fight against
action needs to be taken to combat efforts at European and national level, discrimination, such as national
discrimination (44% on average across including important actors such as equality bodies, from around Europe.
the EU), there has been a progres- National Equality Bodies.
sive fall in the number of people who Further information
consider that efforts are inadequate, For its part, the European Commis-
suggesting rising awareness of govern- sion runs a pan-European informa- Special Eurobarometer survey on
ment action. In 2006, an average of tion campaign “For Diversity – Against discrimination – summary, report and
51% of people thought that action was Discrimination” - with an annual national factsheets
insufficient, falling to 47% in 2008 and budget of approximately € 4 million - http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/
44% in 2009. to help inform people in Europe about archives/eb_special_en.htm
their rights and responsibilities under
Encouragingly, the survey data gives EU anti-discrimination legislation. The Tackling discrimination
an insight into the social mechanisms campaign organises activities in all
by which discrimination can be 27 EU Member States to make people http://ec.europa.eu/antidiscrimination
resolved. The report shows that social more aware of discrimination and to
circles, education and awareness- highlight the benefits of diversity. The www.stop-discrimination.info
raising efforts are contributing to a European Commission also contributes

© 123RF


sPECIAL FEATURE

© Michel Loriaux - European Union
Fighting poverty
and social exclusion:
the European Year 2010
L
ack of resources blights the lives ness and over-indebtedness. Poverty as well as at the initiatives and activi-
of millions of Europeans, who end and exclusion are complex issues, ties planned all over Europe to help
up excluded from what is – for with no quick-fix solution. They can achieving them. A separate article is
many others – a prosperous society only be eradicated through a lasting, devoted to the role of the media. The
full of opportunity. Almost 80 million concerted, collective effort by society pen is mightier of the sword, they
people, 19 million of them children, as a whole, from policy- and opinion- say, and indeed the way that poverty
live below the poverty line in the EU. makers to individual citizens. The 2010 and social exclusion are portrayed
Despite an improvement in overall European Year for Combating poverty by newspapers and on television
living standards over the past decade, and social exclusion is dedicated to directly shapes our perceptions of the
poverty and social exclusion remain raising awareness of these interrelated phenomenon and our attitudes to it,
major issues in most countries, albeit issues and to stimulate greater effort to in a positive or in a negative way. It
with substantial differences amongst combat the problems they cause. The is therefore crucially important that
them. Living with poverty and social articles you will find on the following poverty and exclusion and the people
exclusion can take many forms, pages look in more detail at the philos- suffering from them are portrayed in a
from not having enough to spend ophy behind the 2010 European Year, fair and accurate way, which eschews
on food and clothing to homeless- at the objectives it will try to achieve, sensationalism and stereotypes.


© Michel Loriaux - European Union
2010: fighting poverty
and social exclusion
This year’s European Year will for 8% of Europeans, having a job is
not enough to work one’s way out of
raise awareness of the many poverty. Finally, in most Member States,
children are more exposed to this
forms of poverty and exclusion scourge than the rest of the population:
19 million children are affected.
affecting European citizens Why a European Year?

C
ombating poverty and social some figures
exclusion ranks among the One decade after EU heads of state
main objectives of the European Our social protection systems are and government committed to “making
Union and its Member States. Despite among the most highly-developed in a decisive impact on the eradication of
the efforts deployed, a significant the world and yet, today, too many poverty” the European Year Against
proportion of the European popula- people in the EU still live in poverty. Poverty and Social Exclusion aims to
tion still lives in destitution and has no Certain figures speak for themselves: increase awareness of the many forms
access to basic services such as health almost€ 80 million people live below of poverty and social exclusion and
care. This state of affairs conflicts with the poverty line (set at 60% of their inspiring people to come together to
the European Union’s common values countr y’s median income). That combat them. The Year also aims to
of solidarity and social justice. represents 17% of the EU’s population; show how more effective solutions to


fighting poverty and social exclusion innovative projects. National actions makers and major round tables.
in the EU can be found if we are all will cover many hundreds of different This should all pave the way to a
committed to making a difference, thus projects linked to national priorities s trengthened political commitment,
generating a new impetus in this fight. and the objectives of the Year. from the local to the European level.

Each year since 1983, Europe has Events across 29 countries Eurobarometer survey on
initiated a “European Year” awareness poverty and social exclusion
campaign designed to inform the All 27 EU Member States, as well
citizens of Europe and dialogue with as Iceland and Nor way, have A Eurobarometer survey has provided
them to work for change in mentali- signed up to the Year and are information on European perceptions
ties and behaviour. These European committed to its aims. The activi- about poverty and social exclusion. It
years also provide opportunities to ties are defined and implemented was carried out between 28 August
draw the attention of national govern- by a national body designated by and 17 September 2009 in the EU.
ments to societal themes. In 2009, the the participating country. A national Overall, nearly 27,000 citizens in all
Union celebrated the European Year programme has been drawn up by EU Member States were interviewed
for creativity and innovation, in 2008 each of the participating countries face-to-face, following a random
intercultural dialogue, in 2007 equal and can be found on the Year’s selection of respondents. It found
opportunities for all, and in 2006, website: www.2010againstpoverty. that EU citizens are strongly aware
workers’ mobility. eu. At European level, a consult- of poverty and social exclusion,
ative committee composed of with 73% feeling that poverty in
Organisation on the ground representatives of the participating their country is widespread. High
countries assists the Commission in unemployment (52%) and insufficient
The key principles of the ‘2010 implementing the European Year. wages (49%) are the most widely
European Year’ are decentralisa- The involvement of civil society and perceived ‘societal’ explanations for
tion and coordination. Activities all stakeholders is essential. A wide poverty, together with insufficient
will be prepared at EU level and at range of organisations have been social benefits and pensions (29%)
national level and implemented at involved in the conception and and the excessive cost of decent
all levels including regions, cities or implementation of the European Year, housing (26%). On the other hand,
villages. A range of activities will including the organisations which a lack of education, training or skills
be organised across Europe, such defend the interests of the people (37%), as well as ‘inherited’ poverty
as awareness-raising campaigns, experiencing poverty, the social (25%) are the most widely perceived
information sessions in schools, partners, local and regional authori- ‘personal’ reasons behind poverty.
roundtables and training for the ties, think-tanks etc. The EY2010 will
media and decision-makers, a also aim to strengthen participation Building together
journalist competition, artworks and partnerships through networking a society for all
created by artists and people experi- activities, national meetings of people
encing poverty, and many other experiencing poverty and policy Solidarity is a fundamental value of
the EU with all members of society
sharing the benefits in times of
prosperity and the burden in times
The objectives of the European Year 2010
of difficulty. In line with this principle,
Four cross-disciplinary objectives lie at the heart of this European Year: we need to build a more inclusive
Recognition: To better acknowledge the rights of people living in poverty to Europe where everyone is able to
play a full part in society. make a contribution to society. No
one can solve poverty alone, it is a
Shared responsibility and participation: To build and reinforce partner- collective responsibility. The hope for
ships between all actors working to fight poverty and social exclusion and the European Year is therefore that
emphasize collective and individual responsibility. all those involved will work together
Cohesion: To promote a more cohesive society, where no one doubts that throughout 2010, giving a voice to
society as a whole benefits from the eradication of poverty. the concerns, needs and wishes of
Commitment and practical action: To renew the pledge of the EU and its people experiencing poverty, raising
Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion. hope and inspiring each and every
European citizen.


Driving
the message home
A wide range of awareness-
raising activities is set to reach
as many people as possible

A
key theme of the European were invited to three field visits which corporate sector and public authorities)
year is the importance of gave them the opportunity to interview are expected to get involved.
collective responsibility in grass-roots practitioners.
combating poverty. A wide range of Finally, a closing conference will
activities are planned across Europe The second key event was the opening provide the opportunity to look back
during the year to raise awareness of conference on 21 January 2010 in on the year, to showcase some of the
the many forms of poverty and social Madrid, organised in partnership with successful projects and to celebrate the
exclusion, help build and reinforce the Spanish presidency which officially progress made across the continent.
partnerships in the field, and inspire launched the year by presenting the The conference will be organised
people to engage. The events will be EU-wide campaign and setting its around a set of plenary sessions and
implemented at all levels including political ambitions. interactive workshops, with a strong
regions, cities and villages, providing participatory dimension.
as many opportunities as possible for An art initiative will illustrate the
people to participate. positive contribution that arts can In addition to these common European
make in combating poverty and social events, hundreds of projects are
The link between the participating exclusion. It will show examples of expected across the participating
countries is a common European projects from various countries and countries, all to be developed by
information and communica- media including painting and photog- stakeholders such as public authori-
tion campaign co-ordinated by the raphy. It will put a particular focus ties, NGOs, social partners, founda-
European Commission. It builds around on arts as a tool to rebuild confidence tions and the media.
communication tools (posters, publica- and to promote social inclusion and
tions, videos, website and social personal empowerment. Awareness-raising has been priori-
networking tools) and features six key tised in many countries, targeting
events. The first was the conference In addition, two focus weeks - one in both people experiencing poverty and
“Poverty between reality and percep- May, the other in October - will give the wider public. Example of activi-
tions: the communication challenge” increased visibility to the European ties include information campaigns
(Brussels, 29 October 2009) which Year 2010. Rather than single on existing rights, awareness-raising
aimed to analyse perceptions of poverty events, the focus weeks should be events involving ambassadors, cooper-
and exclusion in Europe in a context of seen primarily as a forum for various ation with audiovisual media, use of
economic crisis and explore how media events and projects, such as confer- innovative technologies and social
and public authorities integrate them ences and debates but also photo networking sites, training for various
into their daily work. It was preceded exhibitions, sports events, media work actors aiming to enhance knowledge
by a seminar for journalists from across and festivals. The key themes will be and understanding of the reality of
the EU, which focused on the part that diversity, exchange and participa- poverty and a variety of art initiatives
the media plays in helping to tackle tion. Various stakeholders at EU and involving theatre groups and a travel-
poverty and exclusion. Journalists national level (NGOs, social partners, ling exhibition on homelessness.


The crucial task
of communicating

© Getty Images
Media portrayals of poverty
have a major role in shaping There is a key role for public adminis-

public perceptions of the issue trations in working to convey messages
about social exclusion and disadvan-
tage. NGOs have long worked

E
ffective communication can The Rowntree Foundation, Media Trust effectively with the media to get their
strengthen and reinforce public and Society of editors have developed messages across, but administrations
administrations’ efforts to break a guide, ‘Reporting poverty in the UK, a are sometimes more wary. Action to
down stereotypes and combat poverty. practical guide for journalists’ (http:// combat poverty can be much more
The challenge for governments is not www.jrf.org.uk/publications/reporting- powerful when it is reinforced with
only to decide how to make the best poverty-uk-practical-guide-journalists) strong communication. At the recent
use of public communication tools, but which explores the question of how the conference on the communication
also how to engage with the media. media can approach the subject. The challenge, Anne Joubert, Head of
The recent conference organised by the guide suggests that while the subject the Unit “integration and access to
European Commission “Poverty between of poverty may not often make the rights policy” of the French Ministry
reality and perceptions: the communica- headlines, it provides plenty of opportu- of Labour talked about the need for
tion challenge” started a debate which nities for features and documenta- officials to overcome any reluctance
will continue throughout the year. ries. A story on poverty can also or fears about developing their use of
add another dimension to reports on communication tools. She explained
It is not uncommon for the media to other social issues which attract more that if we want to engage the public,
come under criticism for relying on frequent coverage such as standards of it is not enough to act. Administrations
stereotypes and for labelling the poor as schools and housing, health problems, need to build relationships with the
‘scroungers’ or lazy. These stereotypes substance abuse or violence. media to convey what they are doing.
may be shared by a proportion of their
audience and such partial portrayal One of the best ways to convey the It is hoped that the European Year
in the press can do much to reinforce reality of poverty is to give voice to the 2010 will prove a decisive turning
them. But journalists can also play a people who experience it. Case studies point in the struggle against poverty
valuable role in challenging stereotypes are one tool which can really bring and social exclusion. Building trust
and explaining the scale of poverty stories about poverty alive. If you actually between public administrations and
and the factors that cause it. Accurate have cases and concrete examples, journalists is crucial and will enable
and effective coverage can have a real illustrating the impact of social exclusion both to become partners in building a
influence, improving understanding on a family becomes at once easier fairer society. Informed coverage can
of the reality of living in poverty. Alex and more effective. Examples enable shed light on the issues, encourage
Tennant, head of policy and research at the reader, viewer or listener to engage the public to take an interest in the
Save the Children, Northern Ireland is with an individual set of circumstances situation of poor people and engage
convinced that ‘the media is important and may help them to understand the them in the debate about how we can
in informing people who are not poor impact of low income better than a set build a more inclusive Europe where
about poverty… to bring the reality of of statistics or reports, which is where everyone is able to make a contribu-
poverty into people’s houses.’ government’s expertise lies. tion to society.


EUROPE 2020

Putting Europe
back on track

© Getty Images
newly launched Europe In practical terms, the Commission
proposes that by the year 2020 the

2020 strategy aims at smart, EU should increase it employment
rate from 69% to 75% of the popula-
sustainable and inclusive growth tion aged 20-64, increase investment
in research and development from
1,9% of EU GDP to 3%, and increase

T
he European Commission has efficient, greener and more competitive the share of 30-34 year-olds with an
unveiled a new strategy which economy and, last but not least, it must university education from 31% to at
aims at turning the European be inclusive, fostering high-employ- least 40%, while the share of early
Union’s economy around, getting out ment and delivering territorial and school leavers should be reduced
of the crisis and laying the foundations social cohesion. from the current 15% to under 10%.
for a return to growth and prosperity.
It may seem as a rather tall order,
given the havoc wreaked by the crisis The seven flagship initiatives of Europe 2020
on EU growth and jobs. The steady • “Innovation Union” to improve framework conditions and access to
gains of the last decade have been all finance for research and innovation.
but wiped out, with GDP falling by 4%
in 2009 and unemployment reaching • “Youth on the move” to enhance the performance of education systems
23 million – or 10% of the active and to facilitate the entry of young people to the labour market.
population. Which is why Europe • “A digital agenda for Europe” to speed up the roll-out of high-speed
needs to act, and to act boldly, if it is internet and reap the benefits of a digital single market for households
to avoid slipping into stagnation and and firms.
decline – into a “lost decade”, in the • “Resource efficient Europe” to help decouple economic growth from
words of Commission President Jose the use of resources, support the shift towards a low carbon economy,
Manuel Barroso. increase the use of renewable energy sources, modernise our transport
sector and promote energy efficiency.
The Europe 2020 Strategy therefore • “An industrial policy for the globalisation era” to improve the business
sets out a vision for Europe’s social environment, notably for SMEs, and to support the development of a
market economy over the next decade. strong and sustainable industrial base able to compete globally.
It revolves around three key features
• “An agenda for new skills and jobs” to modernise labour markets and
that will be decisive in determining
empower people by developing their of skills throughout the lifecycle
Europe’s future success: growth must
be “smart”, developing an economy • “European platform against poverty” to ensure social and territorial
based on knowledge and innovation; it cohesion so that the benefits of growth and jobs are widely shared and
must be sustainable, promoting a more people experiencing poverty and social exclusion are able to live in
dignity and take an active part in society.


“An Agenda for new skills and jobs”
At EU level, the Commission will:
• define and implement the second phase of the flexicurity agenda,
together with European social partners;
• adapt the legislative framework, in line with ‘smart’ regulation princi-
The strategy proposes reducing the ples, to evolving work patterns (e.g. working time, posting of workers)
number of people at risk of poverty and new risks for health and safety at work;
by 20 million. It also reiterates the • facilitate and promote intra-EU labour mobility and better match labour
EU’s goal of reducing its carbon supply with demand;
dioxide emission by up to 30%
compared to 1990. • strengthen the capacity of social partners and make full use of the
problem-solving potential of social dialogue at all levels;
Some of these targets will sound • give a strong impetus to the strategic framework for cooperation in
familiar to those acquainted with the education and training involving all stakeholders;
Lisbon strategy, originally launched in • ensure that the competences required to engage in further learning and
2000 with the stated aim of making the labour market are acquired and recognised throughout education
the EU “the most dynamic and compet- and develop a common language and operational tool for education/
itive knowledge-based economy in training and work: a European Skills, Competences and Occupations
the world by 2010, and indeed the framework (ESCO).
Europe 2020 strategy builds on what At national level, Member States will need to:
has been achieved by Lisbon and the
• implement their national pathways for flexicurity and facilitate the
lessons learned from it.
reconciliation of work and family life;
In this respect, the Commission is • review and regularly monitor the efficiency of tax and benefit systems;
adamant that for Europe 2020 to be • promote new forms of work-life balance and active ageing policies and
a success, member States must take increase gender equality;
ownership of the strategy and make it • promote and monitor the effective implementation of social dialogue
their own. To ensure that each Member outcomes;
State tailors the Europe 2020 strategy
• give a strong impetus to the implementation of the European Qualifi-
to its particular situation, the Commis-
cations Framework, through the establishment of national qualification
sion proposes that EU goals are
frameworks;
translated into national targets and
trajectories. • ensure that the competences required to engage in further learning and
the labour market are acquired and recognised throughout all forms
The targets, defined by President education;
Barroso “ambitious but attainable”, • develop partnerships between the worlds of education/training and work.
are representative of the three priori-
ties of smart, sustainable and inclusive “European Platform against Poverty”
growth but they are not exhaustive:
a wide range of actions at national, At EU level the Commission will:
EU and international levels will be • transform the open method of coordination on social exclusion and social
necessary to underpin them. The protection into a platform for cooperation, peer-review and exchange of
strategy identifies seven “flagship good practice, and into an instrument to take concrete action, including
initiatives” that the EU should take through targeted support from the structural funds, notably the ESF;
to boost growth and employment, • design and implement programmes to promote social innovation for the
including an “Agenda for new skills most vulnerable, to fight discrimination, and to develop a new agenda
for new jobs” and a “European for migrants’ integration;
platform against poverty”. These seven
flagship initiatives will commit both • undertake an assessment of the adequacy and sustainability of social
the EU and the Member States. “Our protection and pension systems, and identify ways to ensure better
new agenda requires a co-ordinated access to health care systems.
European response, including with At national level, Member States will need to:
social partners and civil society, said • promote shared collective and individual responsibility in combating
President Barroso. If we act together, poverty and social exclusion;
then we can fight back and come out • define and implement measures addressing the specific circumstances of
of the crisis stronger.” groups at particular risk;
• fully deploy their social security and pension systems to ensure adequate
income support and access to health care.


S O CI A L INCL USION

Tackling
the health gap

© 123RF
Commission unveils plans level, the European Commission has

to address health inequalities
shown a commitment to act by issuing
a Communication on Action to Reduce

among and within EU countries Health Inequalities. Part of this action
plan involves encouraging other sectors
to consider the potential impacts of

L
ast October the Commission of the variation in health is a result of their decisions to make sure factors that
announced a set of actions the social and economic conditions in affect people’s health are addressed
to help Member States and which we live. These circumstances, in a coherent way. The Commission
stakeholders tackle the health gaps known as the ‘social determinants of also aims to improve understanding
which exist across the European Union. health’, produce unfair health differ- of the health gap issue. It wants to see
Recent decades have seen overall ences which can be avoided. A study better monitoring and data collection
improvements in people’s health and of eight European populations has as well as more assessments of how
well-being as the EU has become more established a greater risk of mortality EU policies can be deployed to tackle
prosperous. However differences in for people with lower education, health inequalities. To close health gaps
health persist, both between and within as compared to those with higher the Commission believes that regions
Member States, and in some cases the education, ranging between 22 and 43 and populations which are struggling
gap is widening. As an example, a per cent in men, and 20 and 32 per should be given assistance so they can
woman born in France can expect to cent in women. This demonstrates how catch up with the rest of Europe. More
live 7 years longer on average than a health is closely dependent on its social attention must therefore be focused on
woman born in Lithuania. Differences determinants, from education and the needs of disadvantaged people in
in life expectancy at birth between poverty levels to urban planning and the provision of health services and
different EU countries can be of up to access to green spaces. through health promotion and protec-
8 years for women and 14 years for tion activities. Efforts should also be
men. These dramatic differences also A low socioeconomic status means made to improve living and working
exist within countries. A man born in poor education, lack of amenities, conditions for the less well off. In
one part of Glasgow in the UK has unemployment or job insecurity, addition to strengthening its own policy
an average life expectancy at birth poor working conditions and unsafe evaluation procedures, the EU will work
of 54 years, while the average life neighbourhoods, with a consequent with Member States and stakeholders
expectancy at birth for a man born impact on family life. Evidence shows to identify and use best practice. As
in a different part of the same city is these dimensions of social disadvan- well as producing regular statistics, the
82 years. Although the different levels tage all influence health. But health Commission will provide reports on
of health between and within popula- inequalities do not only affect the less health inequalities and strategies that
tions have been known and monitored well-off. These variations in health exist have proven to reduce health gaps. It
for a long time, biology alone does in a social gradient across the popula- will also help Member States to obtain
not provide a sufficient explana- tion, affecting everybody, and this is EU funding for improving the health
tion for why they exist. Instead, more why they have been given increasing of disadvantaged people and narrow
recent research has shown that much attention by decision-makers. At EU health gaps between regions.


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