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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.

Germany recognises social consequences of Covid-19 crisis 

According to the programme prepared by Germany for its Council Presidency, one of the priorities will be “a fair Europe”. The programme recognises that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to the lives of millions of Europeans and has exacerbated inequalities. It pinpoints tackling the social repercussions of the crisis, preserving social cohesion, and protecting the most vulnerable people affected by the pandemic as a key focus. 

Specifically, the Presidency aims to focus on challenges experienced by vulnerable groups, such as children, families with low income and elderly people. Germany states that it will support the European Commission’s efforts in the protection of children and families against poverty and will support the rights and participation of elderly people in society. It furthermore will endeavour to encourage communication between young people in Europe and strengthen social cohesion across the EU by tackling the gender pay gap and promoting an equal gender distribution of unpaid care work.

ESN’s work in line with Germany’s EU Council Presidency’s priorities

ESN and public social services across Europe have recognised the impact the Covid-19 crisis has had on services and their users, in particular people in vulnerable groups. From the onset of the pandemic, ESN has been active in promoting best-practice exchange and the secretariat is currently working on a report on the impact of Covid-19 on public social services, particularly taking into consideration challenges faced by vulnerable groups affected. Over the years ESN has worked hard to promote the rights of vulnerable groups. During the pandemic it has continued to be focused on these groups and the services they need. For example, the secretariat is currently organising a seminar on delivering quality in ageing and care.

High hopes for Germany’s EU Council Presidency

Stating that “a key lesson [from the Covid-19 crisis] is that if we want a Europe with a strong economy we must also work for a Social Europe”, Germany’s Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil provides hope to all social policy actors active in the promotion of a fairer and more inclusive European society.

Public social services across Europe strongly hope that this will be reflected by action supporting initiatives such as the Child Guarantee and the formulation of an action plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

 

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