This week integration has been high on Social Platform’s agenda. Firstly, our members met over lunch to discuss integration, social tension and political trade-offs (read my blog). Secondly, the European Commission launched its EU Action Plan for Integration of Third Country Nationals, and thirdly, I participated in my first meeting with the European Migration Forum’s […]
While interior ministers meet tomorrow to discuss EU migration policies, people trying to reach the safety of Europe continue to die en route. Caritas Europa and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe calls on European leaders to alter its restrictive approach to migration. Policies focused on deterrence, including the agreement with Turkey, are not stopping people […]
Today, the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) unveils its #womensvoices recommendations on preventing and combating violence against refugee women and girls on the move. “From conflict to peace? Women’s and girls’ voices on the move” is a five-month project partnering the European Women’s Lobby and the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) and aiming to raise awareness on […]
Welcoming the signature of the Pact of Amsterdam today, which will lead the way to the EU Urban Agenda, AGE Platform Europe, the largest EU network of older persons’ organisations, is publishing a guide aimed at helping European cities to use the Urban Agenda to become more age-friendly. By focusing on 12 key themes, such […]
On 18 May, the European Commission published the 2016 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) proposals. The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) welcomes the increased number of CSRs with a focus on ‘poverty reduction and social inclusion’ from 6 (2015) to 11 Member States (BG, CZ, ES, HR, HU, IE, IT, LV, PT, RO, SK), underpinned by Commissioner Thyssen’s […]
The 2016 European Commission proposals for country-specific recommendations (CSRs) published on 18 May indicate a lack of progress since the 2015 CSRs in specifically addressing the needs of children in the EU. Whilst Eurochild welcomes an increased number of CSRs with a focus on poverty reduction and social inclusion, the opportunity has again been missed […]
Over 300 people from across Europe will gather in Lourdes at the end of May for a 4-day Caritas Europa conference to contribute to the building of the European project. 44 Caritas organisations from 42 European countries will participate with delegations consisting of Caritas staff and volunteers and people living in poverty and vulnerability. They […]
How can common decisions be taken at EU level when there are more and more calls from national leaders to take them at national level? How do we strike a balance between national interests and shared European values? UK Member of Parliament and former Mayor of London Boris Johnson controversially touched upon this topic last […]
9 May is Europe Day. According to the Commission’s website there will be 88 activities organised to celebrate Europe Day in 12 Member States. While I am sure that these activities will provide a great opportunity to commend peace and unity on the continent, I want to celebrate the first anniversary of one civil society […]
Ahead of International Labour Day, the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) urges the EU and governments to enforce labour rights for migrant workers, regardless of their residence status. Several sectors of the economy in the EU rely on the presence of a migrant workforce. Many migrants work in the informal economy due […]
