Brussels, 20/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a report adopted on Wednesday 20 October by 487 votes in favour, 162 against, with 33 abstentions, MEPs called for the introduction of a minimum income system in all EU member states in an effort to fight poverty. This vote took place in a backdrop to the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October and the European Year against Poverty 2010.
Poverty affects around 85 million people, 17% of the European population. The danger of falling into poverty is greater for children and young people up to the age of 17 (20%), than for the rest of the population. Senior citizens (19%) are also at greater risk of falling into poverty, underlines the resolution drafted by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL, Portugal).
Addressing the plenary on Tuesday in Strasbourg, Ilda Figueiredo raised three points: firstly, fine words are not enough; it is indispensable to get involved in the fight against poverty; those who create prosperity, the workers, also need a wage and a job. Therefore, job creation and a minimum income is indispensable.
Minimum income. Introduction of the minimum income in all member states - consisting of specific measures to support people whose income is insufficient, by way of financial support and facilitation of access to services - is one of the most efficient measures for fighting against poverty, guaranteeing an appropriate standard of living and encouraging social insertion, underlines the resolution. Appropriate minimum income systems must be established at a minimum of 60% of the median income in the state in question, explains the adopted text. It also calls on the Commission to present an initiative in this area, which should lead to the elaboration of an EU action plan.
Nonetheless, alternative resolutions submitted by the S&D, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups, calling for a European framework law on a minimum income, did not obtain the required plenary majority.
The working poor. In the resolution, MEPs also seek to draw attention to the increasing number of workers living in poverty. They underlined the fact that the subsistence salary should always be higher than the poverty threshold and that workers who remain below it should have unconditional complimentary benefits.
Efforts must also be made with regard to wages and minimum salary levels in the context of poverty, which affects people who have a job and reflects unfair working conditions, emphasises the resolution. (G.B./transl.fl)