Press

Panorama Magazine issue Nr 48. – Winter 2014 – Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 – Momentum builds

In the face of increasing poverty, exclusion and unemployment the cohesion funds are fast becoming the most important financial instrument for the social and economic development of the EU and the adoption of the new package contains some interesting opportunities for the social sector and social policies even if it could have been more ambitious. Most importantly the ‘partnership principle’ which includes civil society organisations is warmly welcomed. The use of CSO’s knowledge and experience will only strengthen the role of the funds in fighting poverty and exclusion. The 23.1 % allocation to the European Social Fund will ensure the inclusion of all people and not just those with labour market relevance – critical when we know some people may never enter the labour market and others need specific support. We also hope that the promotion of sustainable and quality employment in the package will go some way to reducing the levels of working poor and bad quality jobs. Finally we are happy to see that important ex-ante conditionalities have been upheld.

HEATHER ROY – President, Social Platform