Aktuality

On 24 September the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) and the Belgian Anti-Poverty Network (BAPN) are organising a conference on minimum income. The conference, which takes place in Brussels, is supported by the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency.

At the heart of the conference are a number of workshops which will explore current key challenges and consider how EU and national policy tools and instruments can help to make progress on ensuring an adequate income for all in the EU. Each workshop will involve expert input, including views from a person living on minimum income, followed by a debate with participants. The conference will close with a round table panel debate with EU decision makers who will respond to recommendations put forward by the workshops.

Minimum income is a social assistance scheme of last resort, it is a key pillar of the European Social Model and a lifeline for the people in greatest poverty. While minimum income schemes are in place in most Member States, this is not the case for Hungary, Greece and Italy. Where minimum income schemes are generally in place, it has been a challenge to establish the level of these schemes.

The conference will engage in a review of the role of minimum income in promoting a better life for all Europeans, and review the progress made, in the context of the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion.