Brussels, 24/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) has released 10 demands for the next European Parliament on social cohesion and the fight against poverty. These demands are: (1) make social cohesion and the fight against poverty and inequality in the EU and the promotion of global equity a named EU priority; (2) set and monitor EU and national level targets for poverty and inequality reduction as part of a highly visible EU strategy against poverty; (3) set benchmarks for active governance in decision-making processes at EU and member state levels, ensuring the participation of antipoverty NGOs including people experiencing poverty; (4) make progress on developing an EU framework to defend high level social standards and to guarantee a dignified life for all; (5) ensure access for all to affordable quality services; (6) put the commitment to “decent and quality work” back at the centre of the European Employment Strategy; (7) support social economy and inclusive entrepreneurship; (8) strengthen the EU anti-discrimination legislation; (9) mainstream the fight against poverty across all policies; and (10) declare 2010 the EU year against Poverty and Social Exclusion so that MEPs can play a positive role as ambassadors for the year. (G.B./transl.jl)