Newsletter
The Newsletter of the Peer Review in Social Protection and Social Inclusion and Assessment in Social Inclusion Programme is a free e-mail news service provided by the ÖSB/CEPS-INSTEAD/IES/APPLICA Consortium on behalf of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission.
The newsletter is published in English, French, and German. To view the newsletter issues in PDF-format, please click here.
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2011/12/02
How national poverty targets in Ireland relate to the EU poverty targets
The overall aim of this Peer Review was to improve understanding of the multiple causes of poverty, improve techniques for identifying those who are most at-risk and finding more effective ways to combat poverty, which is particularly of concern in the context of tight constraints on public finances as a result of the crisis.
2011/12/02
A selection of policies and priorities to create inclusive labour markets and combat child poverty
Fostering inclusive labour markets and combating child poverty and social exclusion are two of the key challenges that need to be tackled by Member States if the objective of the Europe 2020 Strategy of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth is to be achieved. This short paper explores how these challenges can best be addressed and shares examples of good practices.
2011/12/02
A critical review of progress towards the Europe 2020 social inclusion objectives
The National Reform Programmes (NRPs) are the means by which countries are expected to translate the Europe 2020 objectives and targets into national policies. EU countries submitted their first NRPs to the European Commission in April 2011 and members of the EU Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion assessed their countries’ NRPs from a social inclusion perspective. The short report prepared by the Network Core Team summarises the main findings of the independent experts’ country analyses. It also puts forward concrete suggestions for strengthening the social inclusion dimension of the NRP process in future.
2011/08/25
Assessing the new minimum income benefit in France as a tool to fight in-work poverty
The Peer Review held in Paris from 31 March to 1 April 2011 discussed a new minimum income benefit, the RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active), which was introduced on 1 December 2008 in France as part of efforts to address in-work poverty, to improve the administration of social minima and to remodel the incentive structure so that work (or returning to education) is a more lucrative and attractive prospect.
2011/08/25
Trade-offs between security and affordability in funded pension schemes in the Netherlands
A Peer Review was held in The Hague on 12-13 April 2011. Participants were invited to consider both the opportunities and dilemmas associated with funded occupational pensions of the defined benefit type and to discuss how the trade-off between the affordability and security of funded pension schemes can be negotiated. There was also an important focus on issues of transparency and the availability of information.
2011/06/24
The social impact of fiscal consolidation measures: the need to avoid a second crisis
The latest network report focuses on the social impact of the crisis and developments in the light of fiscal consolidation measures in the 27 EU countries. It summarises the main findings from an analysis of country reports prepared by members of the EU Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion in the Autumn 2010 in their respective countries. Drawing on both the independent experts’ country analyses and the Network Core Team’s overall assessment, it also puts forward a series of suggestions for monitoring and strengthening the social inclusion dimension of fiscal consolidation measures at both national and EU levels.
2011/06/24
Peer Review programme 2011
2011/06/24
Building a good place to grow older
Over the past century, average life expectancy from birth in the UK has increased by thirty years, and people over 65 now outnumber children under 16 for the first time; the same trend is visible across Europe. Such a dramatic change in the composition of the population requires policies which react and respond to the changes. Namely, there is a need to ensure that elderly people can participate in society and enjoy their old age, and there is also a need to build the capacity to provide care and support for the elderly in the context of ageing populations. The Peer Review held in London on 18-19 January 2011 discussed a number of reforms and initiatives undertaken in the UK “to build a good place to grow older”.
2011/02/08
How to tackle in-work poverty and labour market segmentation in the EU: heighten awareness, improve data, monitor and increase mainstreaming
On October 3, 2008, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation (2008/867/ EC) on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market. For the most part, it is assumed that getting unemployed and inactive people into work is the most effective means of counteracting poverty. However, being in employment does not guarantee an escape from poverty and the working poor constitute a significant share of all those in poverty around Europe. Measures to combat in-work poverty and tackle labour market segmentation are therefore important and are explicitly mentioned in the labour market pillar of the Recommendation.
2011/02/08
Finland: Battling with long-term homelessness
In February 2008, the Finnish Government adopted a programme aimed at halving long-term homelessness by 2011. The results so far have been impressive with the initial goal of producing 1,250 flats surpassed and overall funding exceeding original plans. The Peer Review held in Helsinki sought to assess the programme’s success and to exchange experiences with countries that are implementing or preparing similar national strategies to reduce long-term homelessness.
2011/02/08
Reference budgets and the importance of working with beneficiaries in Belgium
The Belgian Peer Review held in November provided an opportunity to learn about the Belgian experience of developing a reference budget with public participation, to share the experiences of other countries, and consider how to develop a common method for assessing acceptable living standards.
2011/02/08
How Norway integrates immigrants
Norway’s social inclusion policy, under which it is compulsory for all newly-arrived adult refugees and immigrants to participate in Norwegian language training and civic education, has delivered positive results. The Peer Review held in Oslo on 18-19 November discussed the policies that have been adopted by the Norwegian government and implemented at the municipal level.
2011/02/08
Portugal helps the homeless get a foot in the door
On 4-5 November Portugal presented its 'National Strategy for the Integration of Homeless People'. The national strategy is a breakthrough in the southern European approach towards homelessness which – unlike most of northern European countries – traditionally relies on informal social networks rather than on state organised systems of social welfare.
2010/12/15
Setting an example: from the international to the local Plans for social inclusion in Catalonia
A Peer Review held on 7-8 October in Spain presented ‘The Programme for developing local plans for social inclusion in Catalonia’. The event discussed a number of key issues, including the contribution of local plans to the Spanish National Plan for Social Inclusion and the role of regional bodies, the significance of historical, political and financial factors, as well as national and local context, in determining the success or failure of local plans, the effect of the existing municipal and political set-up on the plans and the degree of autonomy of municipalities in developing plans, the appropriateness of the timing, the need for clear objectives and indicators, and the role of the third sector.
2010/12/15
Germany demonstrates quality long-term care in residential facilities
Germany has had a focused policy dealing with long-term care needs since 1994 when employers and employees started contributing a proportion of their income to future need for care. In 2008 the policy was modernised so that more focus was placed on quality of care through inspections and transparency with provision being graded on a points-based system. On the 18-19 October in Murnau (Bavaria), Germany presented its strategy at a Peer Review on “Achieving quality long-term care in residential facilities” which was hosted by the Bavarian State Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Family Affairs, Women and Health, and the German Federal Ministry of Health.
2010/09/09
Hungary tackles child poverty and Roma exclusion in disadvantaged regions
Hungary’s “Making Things Better for our Children” National Strategy and the related pilot programme in the micro-region of Szécsény were hailed by peer reviewers gathered in Budapest on 27-28 May 2010 as a sign that the inter-generational transmission of poverty can be overcome, even in the most disadvantaged regions.
2010/09/09
Romania strives to improve quality of social services
Romania launched its broad process aimed at better regulating and continuously improving the delivery of social services in 2003. Peer reviewers from Belgium, Croatia, Estonia and Lithuania gathered in Bucharest on 29-30 June 2010 to assess progress made by one of the EU’s most recent entrants.
2010/06/14
Spanish Peer Review considers new ways of addressing work incapacity
Discussions during the Spanish Peer Review highlighted a number of general and specific issues, ranging from definitions of professional or permanent incapacity to control and support mechanisms, cost limitation, inflow management, prevention and facilitation of labour market participation.
2010/06/14
Peer Review Programme 2010
2010/04/26
French ‘poverty scorecard’ to facilitate progress towards poverty reduction goal
Although too soon to evaluate the success of the French poverty reduction policy, the Peer Review held in Paris on 3-4 December 2009 provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the role of indicators in the monitoring and assessment of social exclusion, as well as a series of related governance issues, such as partnership between national and local levels, and citizen involvement.
2010/04/26
Germany showcases protection scheme for pregnant women in emergency situations
In Germany, a scheme was set up to assist pregnant women in difficult situations to prepare financially for the birth of their child. Under the programme, which is run by the Federal Foundation Mother and Child, women are entitled to payments in order to help them cover costs relating to their children’s clothing and care needs. The Peer Review that took place in Berlin on 21 and 22 January 2010 provided a useful opportunity for the Federal Foundation Mother and Child and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth to share their experience with experts from neighbouring countries, while also identifying areas for improvement in the German policy.
2010/01/19
Counting the homeless – setting the scene for improved policymaking
Currently, far too little accurate information about the homeless is available. The Peer Review hosted by the City of Vienna and Austria’s Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection on 12-13 November 2009 therefore sought to share information on existing data-collection instruments, with a view to improving the planning of assistance to the homeless.
2010/01/19
Developing the right tools for reintegrating the vulnerable: Norway’s ‘Qualification Programme’
Established as part of Norway’s major welfare system reform, the Qualification Programme offers long-term unemployed the opportunity to participate in a year-long programme of activities that will gradually prepare them to (re-)enter the labour market or training programmes. During the Peer Review held on 29 and 30 October 2009 in Norway, a wide-ranging discussion took place that touched upon different aspects of the Qualification Programme.
2010/01/19
Report highlights difficult progress in combating homelessness and housing exclusion
Homelessness and housing exclusion represent a very serious challenge in most Member States and, although significant improvements have been made in some countries, a recent overview prepared by the Core Team of the European Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion shows that things are clearly getting worse in others, especially as a result of the economic and financial crisis.
2009/11/25
UK ‘welfare city’ model seeks local partnerships to tackle unemployment and child poverty
The July 2009 Peer Review took place in the East End of London – an area with some of the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the country. The topic of discussion was the UK’s ‘City Strategy’ for tackling unemployment and child poverty, launched in 2007 as part of the government’s wider welfare system reform.
2009/11/25
Germany showcases efforts to maintain healthcare system in light of declining and ageing populations
A shortage of physicians in the Land of Brandenburg, due to the region’s particularly sparse and ageing population, triggered the June 2009 Potsdam meeting, where policymakers from some EU countries gathered to discuss how best to maintain the supply of healthcare services to local populations.
2009/10/14
Alzheimer’s – Improving the lives of patients and carers
On 5-6 May 2009, France invited representatives from eight other European countries to discuss, share best practice and make recommendations on how best to cope with behavioural disorders relating to Alzheimer’s and other related diseases in the patient’s home.
2009/10/14
A future for Roma: peer reviewers help shape Greece’s Roma inclusion plan
One way of promoting the social inclusion of Roma is by helping EU Member States to exchange good practice. This was the objective of the Peer Review held in Athens this May. Unusually, the Greek government had asked the expert reviewers from across Europe to help shape an emerging policy rather than assessing a current one.
2009/10/14
New report finds most national minimum income schemes fall short of EU objectives
The importance of ensuring adequate social safety nets has grown considerably with the current economic downturn. Yet, according to a recent overview prepared by the Core Team of the European Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion, most countries within the EU still fall far short of having sufficiently developed and/or generous minimum income schemes (MISs) that allow people to live their lives with dignity.
2009/06/05
Combining choice, quality and equity in care for the elderly
The Danish government hosted a Peer Review last April with a view to examining how new policy options and instruments can contribute to improved long-term care for the elderly. Member States emphasised the benefits of choice in terms of quality and diversity. However, it was pointed out that choice remains a luxury in many countries where merely ensuring adequate services is a challenge.
2009/06/05
Assessment of the 2008-2010 National Reform Programmes for Growth and Jobs from a social inclusion perspective
In April, an overview of the 27 national reports conducted by the Network of Independent Experts to assess each NRP for the 2008-2010 period was published. It recognises that there has been some strengthening of the linkages between the EU Growth and Jobs Strategy and the EU “Open Method of Coordination for Social Protection and Social Inclusion” (OMC), but notes that this is only true for a small number of Member States and that, in most cases, progress has been modest.
2009/04/15
The future of long-term care
As the number of older people increases and with it the need for long-term care, several countries are looking at ways of keeping care affordable while ensuring equal access to all. The Netherlands, where there is currently a public debate about the future of long-term care, hosted a Peer Review meeting in February this year. The Peer Review focused on the Exceptional Medical Expenses Act, introduced as long ago as 1968 to respond to the need for nonhospital care.
2009/04/15
Peer Review Programme 2009
2009/03/03
Guaranteeing socially-adequate policies
With Slovakia in the process of developing a unified assessment methodology to help its Ministries evaluate the financial, economic, social and environmental impact of new policies, the Peer Review hosted by the Slovakian Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family on 6-7 November 2008 focused on the relevance and effectiveness of social impact assessment schemes and the exchange of best practices.
2009/03/03
Getting women back into the labour market
Increasing the participation of women in the labour market is an essential part of policies for both ensuring equal opportunities and expanding the workforce. This is the aim of the Perspektive Wiedereinstieg Action Programme, which was the subject of the Peer Review meeting hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Employment Agency on 17-18 November 2008.
2009/01/17
Including Europe’s socially excluded
The annual European Round Table on poverty and social exclusion brings together representatives from NGOs, social partners, national and sub-national governments and EU institutions to exchange information and views on how to improve social inclusion throughout the Union. In this, the seventh year, the meeting was followed, for the first time ever, by an informal meeting of EU Member States’ Ministers responsible for combating poverty, with a view to strengthening the political commitment of countries and making concrete recommendations in this area.
2009/01/17
The pharmaceutical sector – containing costs and ensuring fair access
The German Peer Review, held on 30th June and 1st July 2008, looked into how price negotiations and tendering procedures between health insurers and pharmaceutical companies, as well as risk-sharing agreements between pharmaceutical companies and health care providers, and pre-accords on budgets for the treatment of illnesses, can contribute to the policy objectives of cost containment, access to medicines and reward for innovation.
2009/01/17
A more human approach to immigration?
Although the European Union has been striving to increase the labour market participation of immigrants and ethnic minorities and to promote their participation in social, cultural and political life, national experiences have not always proved successful. This October, a fresh review was hosted by the Spanish Government, whose approach to migrants – generally viewed as more liberal than others – appeared to provide a source of inspiration to other Member States.
2008/10/24
Editorial
2008/07/29
The European Commission unveils the Renewed Social Agenda
An important new set of proposals was adopted by the European Commission on 2nd July 2008 reaffirming the importance of the social dimension as an integral part of the Lisbon Strategy.
2008/07/29
Vulnerable groups access to employment
2008/07/29
Building a stronger Social Inclusion Process
2008/07/01
Editorial: Continuity in change
This newsletter marks the launch of a new four-year programme of Peer Reviews in Social Protection and Social Inclusion and Policy Assessment in Social inclusion*. The aim of both strands of the programme remains the same – to improve the policies implemented in this broad area through mutual exchange of experience and by subjecting measures and proposals to outside scrutiny. The added objective is to coordinate the two activities more closely so that they can gain from and reinforce each other, while broadening awareness of the reports they produce and the main conclusions contained in them.
