Despite the pandemic, member states are reportedly showing little appetite for further commitment to strengthening minimum income, merely reiterating the need to guarantee EU citizens an “adequate” income, according to draft conclusions obtained by EUROPE on Wednesday 23 September.
It is true that a small flutter of social convergence seems to have been observed, according to the draft conclusions. However, the Union’s target of lifting 20 million citizens out of poverty by 2020 will remain out of reach. “Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, overall, more than one in five Europeans and one in four children remained at risk of poverty and social exclusion”, it says.
In spite of this observation, the delegations do not go further than the existing texts, citing the European pillar of social rights, which includes among its priorities the right of everyone to “adequate minimum income benefits ensuring a life in dignity at all stages of life” (priority no 14). However, at the request of several delegations, it has been set down in writing that minimum income reinforces “upward social convergence” - a request hammered home by the French President since the beginning of his term of office (see EUROPE 11907/1).
Several delegations insisted on facilitating access to aid through better information for those eligible (pt. 14a). This addition was discussed in the working group, as some delegations considered that this form of assistance should not be encouraged. The argument is a surprise to some in diplomatic circles, given that, if rights exist, it is normal to inform those who may be eligible.
During the debates, the need to respect national competences and traditions was reaffirmed. Minimum income must be combined with activities aimed at social inclusion, some Eastern European delegations stressed.
Strengthening the protection of minimum income to combat poverty and social exclusion, particularly in a time of pandemic, is one of the priorities of the German Presidency of the EU Council. However, as one source told us, there was no enthusiasm, even though Portugal, Spain and Italy had called for an initiative earlier in the year (see EUROPE 12485/30).
On the Commission’s side, another source explains that the draft, although laudable, could potentially collide with the minimum wage initiative, scheduled for 28 October (see EUROPE 12556/31).
The conclusions were due to be adopted at the next meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), but due to the pandemic, the meeting was replaced by an informal meeting by videoconference. The conclusions will then be adopted at other Councils.
To consult the draft conclusion: https://bit.ly/30ahrDV (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)