Members of the European Social Network met in Brussels on 6-7 December to review the network’s programme in the last three years and discuss ways forward. The meeting brought together over 50 members from 21 countries to discuss and highlight priorities for the next three years, in light of immediate and long-term challenges to social services in Europe.

Two guests joined ESN members to give their perspective on the political, economic and social context in the years ahead. Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre, told the audience: “I see this as a perfect storm: long-term threats such as climate change, demographic change and migration combine with a short-term economic crisis.” Talking about the structural gap between revenue and public expenditure, he said: “It is profoundly unfair for us to burden the next generation with these levels of debt.” He went to challenge the audience to “demonstrate the economic value of social services – for too long this has only be done in terms of inclusiveness.” Read Zuleeg’s commentary Beyond Austerity and other papers from the EPC’s Wellbeing 2030 programme.

Hugh Frazer, coordinator of the EU network of experts on social inclusion, drew on their forthcoming report on the social impact of the crisis, stressing how varied the impact of the crisis had been: “We see the importance of automatic stabilisers embedded in European welfare systems in cushioning the impact. The countries that suffered most appear to be those with weaker social protection systems and already high levels of inequality.” Frazer also highlighted new tools at EU level that offer “a politically stronger basis and enhanced opportunities” for tackling issues such as poverty and exclusion. “Access to services should be at the centre of the new European Platform against Poverty,” he said.

Following the contributions from the two speakers, Members of ESN went on to discuss a range of issues in small groups on which they would like to work together in ESN. Responding to the scene-setting, members shared their experiences of trying to provide more services and benefits for fewer resources. Despite the sector cuts in parts of Europe, ESN Members were also keen not to lose sight of persistent long-term challenges such as child poverty and exclusion or care for older people. Members supported the continuation of ESN’s work on mental health and developing community care.

They highlighted the need to reinforce a new kind of solidarity in an active and caring society, so friends and relatives are part of the drive to empower people. Doing more with less, as the current financial situation dictates, requires new and innovative alliances with communities as part of the care system but also across different public services and the voluntary sector.

Leading and managing social services is seen as more challenging than ever in the current context, which requires the needs and preferences of different stakeholders (elected politicians; service users; social services staff; finance departments; legal departments) to be carefully balanced. ESN’s members, many of whom are in senior management roles, see their duties as strongly linked with overall good governance and resource management in the sector.

ESN has renewed its funding agreement with the European Commission for the next three years and will make a full report of the meeting to Members in the New Year.

Do you work in social services in the public sector? Would you like to be a part of discussions like this? Join ESN now.