On 19 June 2024, the European Semester process - the EU’s governance tool that coordinates
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Social protection systems are lifelines that offer financial support and services to those who need it most.
From families and households struggling to manage the cost of living, to people looking for work or who find themselves in difficult circumstances, these safety nets are vital for building fairer, more resilient societies.
While access to social protection is one of the principles outlined in the European Pillar of Social Rights, unfortunately not everyone in need of this support is able or entitled to benefit. With eligibility criteria that vary from country to country, many people can face discriminatory barriers, administrative hurdles or a lack of information that prevents them from accessing their rights.
Social Platform calls for accessible, adequate social protection systems, implemented through binding EU measures including a Framework Directive on Adequate Minimum Income, creating societies where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Current minimum income schemes across the EU fall short of lifting people out of poverty. Research shows that in nearly every EU Member State, minimum income levels don’t meet 60% of the national poverty threshold, with some schemes even dropping below 40% (see findings from EUROSHIP).
With minimal progress over the past 30 years, it’s become clear that soft law measures are not enough to change this reality. To truly make a difference and meet the EU’s poverty reduction target by 2030, we need legally binding measures that put social rights front and center, sending a clear message that we won’t tolerate poverty in Europe any longer.
An EU Framework Directive on Adequate Minimum Income would set minimum standards across the EU for calculating adequate income support schemes and ensuring their non-discriminatory access for all who need support to live a decent life.
The reality is that far too many people are facing unaffordable, precarious and unfair living conditions.
The #OvertheLine campaign aims to build support for adequate minimum income schemes in the EU. To guarantee access to schemes that are inclusive, fair and reach the people who are most in need of support we need an EU framework directive on adequate minimum income.
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