In July 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation and call for evidence on the upcoming, first-of-its-kind EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, whose aim is to contribute to implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and achieving the EU 2030 poverty reduction target.
The European Social Network (ESN) has been working on poverty and social exclusion since 2011, with a specific focus on the role public social services play in combating poverty and promoting social inclusion in their local communities, especially among vulnerable groups.
This roundtable, was hosted by MEP Idoia Mendia and MEP Michał Szczerba, brought together representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, national governments, and social services from across Europe to reflect on the multidimensional nature of poverty, intended as ‘poverty of opportunities’, and the importance of ensuring public social services feed into the design of this strategy and are given the resources to ensure its successful implementation.
The European Social Services Index (ESSI) key findings on minimum income schemes and housing and homelessness support will enrich the discussion by providing concrete examples of the situation of social services in 16 European Union Member States.
PROGRAMME
Wednesday 15 October
15:00-15:20
Welcome and Introduction
- Idoia Mendia, MEP, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Spain
- Alfonso Lara Montero, Chief Executive Officer, European Social Network
Introduction to the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy
- Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission
15:20-16:05 SSI Findings
In this session, we will discuss the main SSI findings about minimum income schemes and housing and homelessness support across 16 EU Member States. We will also learn about concrete examples of how national governments are supporting people with low incomes, incentivising active inclusion, and ensuring housing affordability.
Moderator: Alfonso Lara Montero, Chief Executive Officer, European Social Network
Cross-country: Cassandra Simmons, Independent Consultant
Country-specific:
- Arnaud Lopez, National Association of Directors of Social Care and Health in County Councils, France
- Marcel van Druenen, SAM, Netherlands
- Sandra Abela & Stephen Vella, Foundation for Social Welfare Services, Malta
- Zorana Uzelac Bošnjak, Zagreb City Council – Department for Social Protection and People with Disabilities, Croatia
16:05-16:50 Reactions and Opinions
In this session, we will hear the reactions to the ESSI findings from representatives at national, European, and international levels, integrated by their opinions on the upcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.
- Krzysztof Stanislaw Balon, Rapporteur, European Economic and Social Committee
- Christina Meinecke, Regional Representative for Europe – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
16:50-17:00 Closing
- Michał Szczerba, MEP, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), Poland
- Alfonso Lara Montero, Chief Executive Officer, European Social Network
Partners
