It is well-known that the social economy and social enterprises represent a business model that focuses on people’s skills and abilities instead of their weaknesses to improve the social skills and employability of people who otherwise might struggle to find a job. To illustrate this, with our members we have developed three case studies that […]
AGE members loudly call on the European Union leaders to seize the momentum of the 60th Anniversary of the Rome Treaties to rebuild a truly collective project for the EU integration and identity, based on social progress, inclusion and solidarity. We need a European Union that helps its Member States address the current global challenges: […]
Media – in all their forms – play a crucial role in the shaping of identities, in the promotion or inhibition of dialogue, solidarity and recognition. Which strategies and tools can empower counter-narratives and challenge mainstream perceptions of refugees, of migration, of marginalised groups in general? The Media against Hate campaign invited professional journalists, community […]
On 14-15 December a delegation of Social Platform members traveled to southern Sweden to learn more about successful ways of including migrants and refugees in economic and social life. Over the course of two days we met three organisations that help low- and medium-skilled migrants to find work – including through training, mentoring and job placements – […]
The EU-Turkey deal, which was adopted one year ago this week, aims to return all migrants and refugees who crossed the sea to the Greek islands and did not apply for asylum in Greece or whose claim was refused back to Turkey. However, since the deal was agreed, over 60,000 people have been left in […]
Caritas Europa finds it shameful how the EU-Turkey deal has left thousands of people stranded in inhumane and degrading conditions in Greece, inevitably resulting in others taking more dangerous routes to seek protection in the EU. “The EU cannot continue externalising the management of migration. Focusing on internal security and deterrence is not the solution. […]
This year’s celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March comes as a new opportunity for the European Union to take action against violence against women: The European Commission has declared 2017 the European Year of focused action to combat violence against women and girls. A unique Coalition of more than 25 European-wide networks and […]
In 2016 we collected case studies from Social Platform members, their national members and partners to illustrate the positive impact that investment in health, housing, employment and education services can have on both the economic and social situation of EU Member States. The 14 case studies demonstrate how a social investment approach to the provision of […]
The European Commission’s statement that “social investment is a prerequisite for a successful and lasting recovery” in its Communication on the main findings and results of the country reports was a very welcome read. This is exactly what Social Platform has been advocating since the launch of the Commission’s Social Investment Package in 2013. Last […]
This week I was excited to participate in the Centre for European Policy Studies’s Ideas Lab, an event bringing together stakeholders from think tanks, governments, businesses, civil society, and institutions, to generate new ideas for European policies. I was hoping to be inspired with ideas that could feed into civil society’s ongoing discussions about the […]
