EU Recovery Fund EU deal announced to mixed reactions
European leaders reached a deal on 21 July for both a €750 billion coronavirus recovery plan and a 2021-2027 budget of €1.07 trillion. We hope that social services will be included in investments under the recovery fund, and will work with the European Commission so that future European recommendations to national authorities highlight the essential role of social services for the recovery of the EU.
Covid-19 impact on social services: Lessons learnt and planning forward
ESN has been addressing the impact of Covid-19 on social services with a series of webinars that have looked at continuity of care, measures supporting social services in emergency situations, and child protection in times of crisis. In cooperation with ESN partner Accenture we are now publishing a briefing taking stock of social services responses so far, and to use lessons learnt for future planning. READ THE BRIEFING HERE.
COVID-19: Impact on long-term care The current pandemic requires rethinking long-term care provision in Europe
In the latest edition of our webinar series on COVID-19, ESN put the spotlight on how the virus impacted long-term care. International speakers discussed challenges and immediate responses, opening a debate on which tools and policy changes are needed to be better prepared for any future crisis.
ESSA 2020: ESSA 2020 deadline has been extended to Friday 21 August!
The submission deadline for ESSA 2020 has been extended to Friday 21 August. You now have until that time to register and submit your entry. We are also delighted to announce the first ESSA judges confirmed.
With experience in the implementation of social support programmes in more than 20 countries, ESN partner, Edenred, tells us about the use of social vouchers for the implementation of welfare support programmes notably through the support of targeted spending.
EU Council Presidency: Social Europe included in Germany’s EU Council Presidency programme
On 1 July 2020, Germany took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). Under the motto “Together for Europe’s recovery”, Germany will hold the Council Presidency until the end of the year. The European Social Network (ESN) welcomes Germany’s decision to include Social Europe in the Presidency’s programme and is looking forward to seeing priorities turned into action.