Catálogo de publicaciones

This paper reviews the current problems in obtaining timely information on social developments within EU Member States, and reports on a stocktaking exercise of existing national approaches to providing timely social data, as well as the possibilities that are being explored within the framework of the European Statistical System (ESS) to improve the situation. It is available online in English only.

This publication is a part of a series that explains what the EU does in different policy areas, why the EU is involved and what the results are. You can see online which ones are available and download them at: http://europa.eu/pol/index_en.htm.

The number of people aged 60+ is increasing at a fast rate and the result is a rapid increase in the dependency ratio. Alongside the associated risks for the sustainability of public finances, there are many opportunities as older people represent a valuable asset to society. These were discussed at the Peer Review held in Warsaw in October 2012 and hosted by the Polish Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. Representatives of eight Member States, the European Commission and stakeholder organisations attended the event. This report summarises the key issues discussed and the lessons learned. It is available in electronic format in English, French, German and Polish.

The Social Europe guide is a bi-annual publication aimed at providing an interested but not necessarily specialised audience with a concise overview of specific areas of EU policy in the field of employment, social affairs and inclusion. It illustrates the key issues and challenges, explains policy actions and instruments at EU level and provides examples of best practices from EU Member States. It also presents views on the subject from the Council Presidency and the European Parliament. The fourth volume in the series describes the vivid world of social economy organisations (such as cooperatives, associations, mutuals and foundations) as well as the more recent phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, i.e. business created to achieve social rather than financial goals. In addition, it illustrates trends towards greater social responsibility among citizens/consumers, for-profit companies and financial institutions. Finally it reviews ways in which European and national policies support the social economy and social enterprise. The guide is available in printed format in German, Greek, English and French.

The worsening social situation and problems of sustainability of social protection requires action across Europe. The Commission's Social Investment Package guides Member States to modernize their welfare systems by "preparing" people to confront life's risks, thus reducing the need to ‘repair’ the consequences. Harnessing policy expertise, the reform process, shared ownership with stakeholders and EU funds towards social investment will ensure full implementation. This publication will be available in printed format in English, French and German.

Combatting poor standards of living amongst children and youth, and promoting social mobility in urban areas with poor living conditions is crucial for breaking the transmission of disadvantage across generations. This report summarises the main outcomes of the Peer Review which addressed the topic of area-based policies to promote good living conditions for children and youth in deprived areas (Oslo, 13-14 November 2012). The Peer Review was hosted by the Norwegian Directorate of Integration and Diversity. Representatives from six Member States, the European Commission and stakeholder organisations took part in the event. This publication is available in electronic format in English, French, German and Norwegian.

This Synthesis Report has been produced on the basis of the experts’ reports covering the 27 EU Member States. It starts with an analysis of the extent to which Member States have developed integrated comprehensive strategies. Then, it assesses how effective Member States have been in developing measures under each of the three strands. Next, it looks at the resourcing of active inclusion measures both by Member States and by EU Structural Funds and examines the arrangements in place to monitor their implementation. Finally, it synthesises the suggestions made by the experts to strengthen the implementation of the Active Inclusion Recommendation at both national and EU levels. This publication is available in electronic format in English, French and German.

The efforts aimed at combating child poverty and social exclusion are crucial investments in future and contribute directly to the Europe 2020 Strategy. This report summarises the main outcomes of the Peer Review on socio-cultural participation as part of a strategy to address child poverty (Brussels, 20-21 September 2012). The Peer Review was hosted by the Belgian federal authorities who presented a series of measures to enable those on low income to participate in socio-cultural activities. Representatives from ten European countries, the European Commission and stakeholder organisations took part in the event. This publication is available in electronic format in English, French, German and Dutch.

This report, jointly prepared by the European Commission and the Social Protection Committee (SPC), focuses on the adequacy dimension of pensions. It has been developed as a complement to the Ageing Report by the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) and considers pension policy objectives in the context of accelerating population ageing and the current economic crisis. Specifically, it looks at how to reconcile and optimize sustainability and adequacy concerns amongst Member States. This publication is available in electronic format in English only.