Brussels, 28/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - Happy but concerned. Such are the mixed sentiments of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) after the Social Council in Brussels on 22 February, which confirmed combating child poverty as the main priority of its political agenda (see EUROPE 9372). What is causing EAPN's concern is that the replacement of the concept of “minimum income” with that of “minimum resources” in the Council conclusions could cause confusion, said Fintan Farrell, Director of EAPN.
Minimum income schemes are schemes of last resort and, therefore, are a life line for he poorest, says EAPN in a press release. The vast majority of EU member states have such schemes, it continues, though the accessibility and adequacy of the schemes vary enormously. Since the publication of a recommendation on this issue in 1992, the EU has been encouraging member states to put in place minimum income schemes. Thus it is that the Council conclusions raise doubts about the importance granted to such schemes. If the term “minimum resources” covers minimum income plus other benefits, EAPN argues, this should have been clearly stated in the conclusions. Mr Farrell says: “EAPN will seek clarification on this issue with the president of the Council, German Minister Müntefering and with Commissioner Spidla”, and will also seek “public reassurance that the EU continues to recognise and strongly encourage member states to have accessible and adequate Minimum Income schemes consistent with human dignity”.
Mr Farrell also welcomed the positive messages from the Council. Ministers confirmed their determination to give greater visibility to the social dimension in the second cycle of the Lisbon Strategy, emphasised the importance of social cohesion and renewed their commitment that the Lisbon Strategy should make a decisive impact on social exclusion. “These conclusions and more concrete commitments to give effect to the conclusions must be a priority in the Spring Council conclusions,” he added. (gb)