social protection

The Impact of the Economic Downturn and Policy Changes on Health Inequalities - the example of London

A report, published by the UCL Institute of Health Equity (the former Marmot Review Team) and commissioned by the London Health Inequalities Network, looks at the The Impact of the Economic Downturn and the Government’s Welfare Reforms on Health Inequalities in London, with a particular focus on employment, income and housing. The report also presents a set of recommendations for local authorities across the EU Member States in their efforts to prevent and mitigate the negative (...)

Social Protection Committee report on Child Poverty and Well-being

Quarterly Review shows EU employment, social conditions and services continue to deteriorate

Despite minor improvements, the EU employment and social situation continue to worsen according to the Quarterly Review published by the European Commission. Areas of particular concern are the labour market segmentation; the participation of women and youth; the impact of the crisis on health and social services; and the cuts in social benefits and deteriorating living conditions. Earlier last month, Commissioner Andor presented the Employment Package and country-specific recommendations (...)

Working for Equity in Health

EPHA takes part in the European Commission funded project ’Working for Equity in Health’. It aims to explore the relationship betweel work, worklessness and social protection, as determinants of health inequalities. Running until the end of the 2012, the Working for Equity in Health project aims to raise awareness of health inequalities, help identify practices that are effective in these areas and help address health inequalities and draw a knowledge base on what works. It (...)

The 11th European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty takes place this 10-11 May in Brussels

This year’s theme is “Homelessness and Housing Rights in the Context of the Crisis”. The event is bringing together over 150 delegates – in other words, people with direct experience of poverty and/or homelessness. The meeting attempts to reflect on this growing concern under three sound headings – (1) the impact of the crisis; (2) practic examples; (3) and policy recommendations. The delegates exchange views with representatives from national ministries, the (...)

EAPN’s analysis of the current economic and social crisis in the EU

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) has recently published a briefing for EAPN’s Conference “Getting Out of the Crisis Together – Alternative approaches for an inclusive recovery”. Main findings The paper Re-engaging Hope and Expectations discusses the causes of the crisis, governments’ economic and policy responses, and its social impacts - stressing the consequences of austerity on poverty, particularly for vulnerable groups. The paper also proposes (...)

The Impact of the crisis on hospitals, healthcare services, healthcare professionals and patients: evidence from HOPE

The European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) has published a report on the impact of the economic and financial crisis on the continent’s healthcare systems. The paper also analyses the measures taken to combat the impact of the financial turmoil on healthcare professionals and patients. The report, entitled "The Crisis, Hospitals and Healthcare," also includes a comparative country study of the situation in 20 European countries. The Crisis, Hospitals and Healthcare (...)

2nd Equity week to address "Integrating coherent policy, practice and action"

EurohealthNet organizes its 2nd Equity Week from 29th May until 31st May to discuss how practices can be made more coherent to improve health equity, in times of austerity. Equity Week 2012 will bring together policy makers from the EU, national and regional level, as well as NGOs, academics and researchers. Agenda Registration More information It will open with a Conference presenting the results of the DG SANCO co-funded ‘Crossing Bridges’ project which aimed to (...)

Call for papers for FEANTSA 7th European Research Conference on Homelessness

The European Federation of National Organisations Working With the Homeless (FEANTSA) - an EPHA member - has announced the 7th Annual Research Conference on Homelessness in Europe entitled “Access to Housing for Homeless People in Europe”, which will take place in York in the UK on the 21st September 2012. Deadline for the call for papers: 6 April 2012 FEANTSA’s European Observatory on Homelessness, the European Network for Housing Research Working Group on Welfare (...)

How can social protection respond to the financial crisis?

On the 26 January, a new report was presented in the European Parliament which shows that countries that responded well to the crisis were those that already had comprehensive social security systems in place. This finding contradicts austerity measures that reduce resources devoted to social security. On 26 January 2012, EPHA attended a debate organised by the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament aimed at discussing European social protection system ability of addressing the current (...)