Press

Media Alert: Athens, December 06, 2013

Date: December 11 (Wednesday) 09.00 – 13.30 

Venue: HUB Athens (Karaiskaki 28)

In January 2014 Greece will take over the Presidency of the EU, they have placed the Social Dimension of the EU at its core. The Presidency is happening at a critical juncture in Europe, when it is still recovering from the effects of the crisis (resulting in recession and high levels of unemployment).  The implementation of austerity measures has strongly impacted social cohesion in many member states (and particularly Greece). The EU now has to deal with a number of critical challenges to restore trust in the European Social Model including: high and persistent unemployment rates, youth unemployment and increased poverty and social exclusion.

Social Platform is organizing a civil society conference to discuss the social dimension of the Greek EU Presidency priorities. The event will bring together a wide range of key stakeholders including governmental representatives and Greek and EU civil society. The Key Note address will be given by Mr Yiannis Vroutsis, the Greek Minister of Labour, Social Security and Welfare.

The conference will cover the interactions and challenges between economic and social objectives as well as EU social priorities. It will address the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union and the social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy.

This Conference will provide an opportunity for Greek civil society to address their concerns in relation to the Greek EU Presidency and will be focused around the topics of combating poverty and social exclusion, accessing social and health services, migration (an opportunity for the EU), and promoting intergenerational solidarity. Please see here for the full agenda

To register for this event please contact

Dimitris Stratakos (Event Coordinator – based in Athens)

Tel: +30-699 63 29 901

E-mail: dim_stratakos@yahoo.gr

ENDS

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