The European framework for National Roma strategies (NEW UPDATE)

In 2008, more than 80 million people across the Union lived below the poverty line. That is a bigger population, than the population of the largest Member State. More than 30 million people living in EU countries are non-nationals, 6.4% of the entire EU population.

A European platform  against social exclusion and poverty

The situation is not improving in the current era of economic crisis. Young people, migrants and low skilled have experienced the greatest increase in unemployment. The fight against poverty and social exclusion are high on the European economic, employment and social agenda, also known as the Europe 2020 strategy. The Commission proposes in this communication to establish a European platform against poverty and Social Exclusion.

The focus in the fight against social exclusion and poverty

The platform aims to create a joint commitment among the Member States, EU institutions and key stakeholders in the fight against social exclusion and poverty. This fight needs to rely on growth and employment as well as modern effective social protection. The platform needs to focus on the following areas for action:

• Delivering actions across the policy spectrum;
• Greater and more effective use of the EU funds to support social inclusion;
• Promoting evidence-based social innovation;
• Working in partnership and harnessing the potential of the social economy;
• Enhanced policy coordination among the Member States.

The need for an integrated approach

Setting a comprehensive and effective policy framework for integration is a major challenge. The process of becoming an part of society asks for an integrated approach. It requires access to the labour market, housing, public and private services and building up social and cultural relations. A successful integrated integration process is important for the achievement of the EU 2020 strategy.