In an own-initiative report on Europe’s social reality, the European Parliament asks the Commission and Member States to aggressively attempt to reduce poverty, especially among working people, in Europe.
Elizabeth Lynne (ALDE, UK) presented the Report in Strasbourg and showed general support for the Commission’s approach to poverty and Europe’s social reality. The report highlights social inclusion and protection as basic values of the European Union and fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, etc. The report calls upon Member States to prioritize public health measures that attempt to chose the gap and lower the amount of inequality among the citizens of Europe.
EPHA is preparing a position paper in response to the European Commission’s consultation on Europe’s Social Reality: A ’Stocktaking’. The deadline to respond to this consultation is 15 February 2008. EPHA urges members to respond by the deadline.
The goal of this consultation is to generate debate on the social status across Europe. The consultation is seeking to identify social trends and characteristics of "well-being’ in Europe. The increasing diversity in Europe provides difficult obstacles with respect to policy formation and to ensuring equal access and opportunity for all.
For further information:
Background document prepared by the Bureau of European Policy Advisers
Communication on "Opportunities, access and solidarity: towards a new social vision for 21st century Europe"
