News
BackThis week, the EU Commission presented the long anticipated Social Investment Package (SIP). Expectations were high, even though one knew in advance that there would be no legislative proposals. However, any kind of proposal is more than welcome in times of crisis, in particular those aimed at reducing the high unemployment rate and getting people back to work. Hence, it is pleasant news that for the first time the Commission stresses the importance and the successes of social policy, in particular in times of crises. A genuine novelty!
Commission: Member States shall place greater emphasis on social investments
Hardly anybody expected that. It is not so long ago that the EU Commission joined in the chorus of those who maintained that social expenditure is predominantly associated with “costs” and therefore always demanded social welfare budget cuts. However, it now appears that one had come to realize that investments in the welfare state are worth their while. Studies by the Chamber of Labour have recognized this for years. The fact that this realisation has now also been accepted by the Commission has to be regarded as a first positive sign, which, however, has to be followed by action.
Social investments increase the abilities and qualifications of citizens
In view of the enormous challenges the Member States are currently confronted with, the Social Investment Package is now offering them guidelines for a more efficient and effective social policy to tackle high financial burdens, increasing poverty and social exclusion as well as record levels of unemployment, in particular in respect of young people. Other factors are an aging population and a falling share of people of working age. All these factors are putting the sustainability and appropriateness of national welfare systems to the test. Measures shall ensure that the social protection systems will meet the requirements of people in critical stages of life. This implies early investments to prevent later emergency situations and to prepare people for the risks of life instead of rectifying any damage later.
Investments in children and young people are therefore important
One point, which is of particular importance, is the investment in children and young people. Taking the example of childcare, the EU Commission reinforces the analysis of the Chamber of Labour that investments in extending childcare do not only improve future opportunities for children, but may also aid the realization of considerable employment potentials, which in the end also enables a sustainable relief of public budgets. However, in spite of some genuinely positive points in the SIP it is even more important that the next EU budget will be furnished with adequate funds to realize all the good ideas and guidelines of the Commission.
Further information:
Press release by the Chamber of Labour on the Social Investment Package (SIP) (only in German)
Press release by the EU Commission in the Social Investment Package (SIP)
Documents concerning the Social Investment Package (SIP)
Hardly anybody expected that. It is not so long ago that the EU Commission joined in the chorus of those who maintained that social expenditure is predominantly associated with “costs” and therefore always demanded social welfare budget cuts. However, it now appears that one had come to realize that investments in the welfare state are worth their while. Studies by the Chamber of Labour have recognized this for years. The fact that this realisation has now also been accepted by the Commission has to be regarded as a first positive sign, which, however, has to be followed by action.
Social investments increase the abilities and qualifications of citizens
In view of the enormous challenges the Member States are currently confronted with, the Social Investment Package is now offering them guidelines for a more efficient and effective social policy to tackle high financial burdens, increasing poverty and social exclusion as well as record levels of unemployment, in particular in respect of young people. Other factors are an aging population and a falling share of people of working age. All these factors are putting the sustainability and appropriateness of national welfare systems to the test. Measures shall ensure that the social protection systems will meet the requirements of people in critical stages of life. This implies early investments to prevent later emergency situations and to prepare people for the risks of life instead of rectifying any damage later.
Investments in children and young people are therefore important
One point, which is of particular importance, is the investment in children and young people. Taking the example of childcare, the EU Commission reinforces the analysis of the Chamber of Labour that investments in extending childcare do not only improve future opportunities for children, but may also aid the realization of considerable employment potentials, which in the end also enables a sustainable relief of public budgets. However, in spite of some genuinely positive points in the SIP it is even more important that the next EU budget will be furnished with adequate funds to realize all the good ideas and guidelines of the Commission.
Further information:
Press release by the Chamber of Labour on the Social Investment Package (SIP) (only in German)
Press release by the EU Commission in the Social Investment Package (SIP)
Documents concerning the Social Investment Package (SIP)