Definition

Active inclusion means enabling every citizen, notably the most disadvantaged, to fully participate in society, including having a job.

In concrete terms, that means:

• adequate income support allowing a life in dignity at all stages of life;
• inclusive labour markets by making it easier for people to join the work force, tackling in-work poverty, avoiding poverty traps and disincentives to work;
• access to quality services, including social inclusion services - helping people participate actively in society, including getting back to work.

Challenges

Active inclusion is intended to tackle poverty and social exclusion. People who are most concerned are the ones in working age who are furthest or even excluded from the labour market.

Due to labour market segmentation they could also be working in precarious jobs, which places them at a risk of in work poverty.

Labour market exclusion is frequently paired with exclusion from social life and putting people at risk of loneliness.

Social exclusion makes it impossible for people to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as the others in the society. Individuals and their families in vulnerable situations cannot fulfil their potential, nor can they participate equally in society.

Policy response

Principle 14 of the European Pillar of Social Rights states that people should have the right to effective access to adequate minimum income support and enabling goods and services, which should be combined with incentives to (re)integrate into the labour market.

This approach is in line with the Commission Recommendation of 3 October 2008 on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market.

The Commission highlighted the importance of social investment in its Social Investment Package (SIP), which is about investing in people.

It covers policies designed to strengthen people’s skills and capacities and support them to participate fully in employment and social life. Key policy areas include education, quality childcare, healthcare, training, job-search assistance and rehabilitation.

To support the actions in the area, Member States can also rely on funding at EU level, in particular from the European Social Fund Plus and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Commission also cooperates with Member States through the European Semester.