Brussels, 10/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 10 March, EU28 labour ministers adopted a conclusions document on the social situation in Europe, noting increased risks to social cohesion.
The EU is unlikely to achieve the EUROPE 2020 Strategy target of getting at least 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020. EU Social Affairs and Employment Commissioner Laszlo Andor said the situation was not getting worse, but neither was it getting any better. He said the biggest challenge was the growing gap between the member states, particularly in the eurozone, and the fact that unemployment would remain high, undermining Europe's competitiveness. Greek labour minister Ioannis Vroutsis said the social impact of the crisis was shaking the foundations of social cohesion within the EU and jeopardising the European project in the long-term.
The description of the social situation in the conclusions document does not paint a rosy picture, particularly when it comes to poverty. The labour ministers did not suggest any new ways of dealing with the situation. The only recommendation is that the situation “requires stronger resolve” and the document urges “member states to review and strengthen their efforts to reduce poverty”.
Work is needed in a number of areas. Social welfare needs to be made more effective and focus on prevention. Employment levels need to be increased, and structural reforms should be introduced that take account of “social and employment concerns”. The ministers ask the European Commission to prepare a report on social protection. (JK)