On 2 July, the European Commission adopted the long-awaited "social package", containing 19 initiatives in the areas of employment and social affairs, education and youth, health, information society and economic affairs. The renewed social agenda is part of this package.
According to the Commission, the package "represents a new commitment to social Europe and consists of an integrated approach bringing together various policies. It shows how the EU can help to create opportunities, provide access and demonstrate solidarity".
On 2 July, the European Commission adopted the long-awaited "social package", containing 19 initiatives in the areas of employment and social affairs, education and youth, health, information society and economic affairs. The renewed social agenda is part of this package.
According to the Commission, the package "represents a new commitment to social Europe and consists of an integrated approach bringing together various policies. It shows how the EU can help to create opportunities, provide access and demonstrate solidarity".
On 7 July, at an extraordinary meeting in Strasbourg, the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs committee will hold an exchange of views with Commissioner Špidla on the package. In view of this meeting, EDF sent suggestions of disability related questions to MEPs.
See below for a list of useful links on the most important measures put forward by the Commission in the package, together with a short explanation:
- Communication from the Commission "Renewed social agenda: Opportunities, access and solidarity in 21st century Europe
This "umbrella communication" outlines the rationale and structure of the renewed social agenda. It also gives a wide-ranging overview of existing and new measures and instruments in the context of social Europe and the Renewed Social Agenda, and provides an outlook on future initiatives. - Communication "A renewed commitment to social Europe: Reinforcing the Open Method of Coordination for Social Protection and Social Inclusion"
A revision of the EU’s system for coordinating national policies to tackle poverty and guarantee social protection - Proposal for a Directive on equal treatment between people irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation
Legislative proposal to complete the existing European legal framework to combat discrimination outside employment. - Communication on "Non-discrimination and equal opportunities: A renewed commitment" outlining the Commission’s overall policy approach to tackling discrimination as a follow-up to the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities.
- Proposal for a Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.
This proposal for a directive aims at clarifying and promoting the right of patients to gain access to healthcare in another EU country by ensuring, at the same time, high quality and safe cross border healthcare throughout Europe. - Communication ‘A Community framework on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare’
- Commission Staff working Document "Efficiency and effectiveness of social spending".
A staff working document suggesting ways of more efficiently spending public money in the field of social protection. - Commission Staff Working Document on "Community Instruments and Policies for Roma Inclusion".
A specific report on the situation of Europe’s Roma minority and the tools that exist at European and national levels to improve it. - Commission Staff Working Document "First biennial report on the situation of social services of general interest in the EU".
An analysis of the role and situation of social services of general interest in Europe as well as the challenges faced. - Commission Staff Working Document "Restructuring and Employment: the contribution of the European Union".
A report on the contribution of the EU in dealing with the effects of restructuring on employment. - Communication "Solidarity in the face of change: The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in 2007 – Review and Prospects".
The first annual report on the functioning of the EU’s fund to support those negatively affected by globalisation. - Commission Staff Working Document "Report on the EU contribution to promoting decent work for all in the world".
A follow-up to the Commission’s 2006 Communication on decent work and the progress made since. - Communication "Improving competences for the 21st Century: An Agenda for European Cooperation on Schools".
The Commission’s proposal for an agenda for cooperation among the Member States, to make school systems more relevant to pupils’ and employers’ needs. - Green Paper on Education of Migrant Children
A Green Paper on how to prevent the creation of segregated school settings, so as to improve equity in education. - Proposal for a Council Recommendation on mobility of young volunteers across Europe.
A Recommendation on creating more opportunities for young people to volunteer across Europe.
EDF will continue to put pressure and will concentrate its actions on 3 main priorities :
- The proposal for an equal treatment directive
- The proposal for a directive on patients’ rights and mobility
- The improvement of digital divide and web accessibility as part of the Communication
On the other issues of the “Social Package”, EDF will closely cooperate with the Social Platform.
Source : Social Platform