The tenth FEAD Network meeting took place on 24-25 April in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmo, Sweden. The event focused on 'FEAD’s contribution to the delivery of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR)’ principles.

The meeting kicked off with insightful speeches from Marie-Anne Paraskevas, senior policy officer at the European Commission, and Jan Behrens, policy officer at the Commission's DG for Employment, social affairs and inclusion.

With a mix of panel discussions, group activities and on site project visits, delegates were able to understand the breadth of ESPR, from its core policies to implementation on the ground.

The European Pillar of Social Rights is a new initiative launched by the European Commission, which aims to introduce new and more effective rights for EU citizens. The concept includes 20 key principles and is based around 3 categories which are key to FEAD’s success in tackling the types of social deprivation found not only in Denmark, but across the EU:

• Equal opportunities and access to the labour market,
• Fair working conditions,
• Social protection and inclusion.

Throughout the two days delegates listened to presentations from the hosting countries Denmark and Sweden, who explained the impact of FEAD and EPSR have on a local and national level. They highlighted that homelessness is a major social issue in both Denmark and Sweden which comes with a range of complex issues that require differentiated activities to address them.

Delegates were then introduced to two Danish and three Swedish projects that specialised in supporting these homeless people, many of whom are EU mobile citizens, Roma and women.

Following this, delegates were invited to take part in an interactive session to explore the way in which FEAD activities can be tailored to address the needs of specific target groups using the EPSR principles.

Project visits

During the second day delegates were given a closer look at some of the projects in action. Delegates were split into three groups. One group was given a bus tour in Malmö, and the remaining 2 groups were able to visit projects across Copenhagen.

The Malmö bus tour provided a closer look at the BETTER HEALTH, PO DROM, FRISK projects that were presented the previous day. The BETTER HEALTH and FRISK projects focus on delivering a range of health initiatives to vulnerable groups and women funded by FEAD.

In Copenhagen, delegates visited Danish projects UDENFOR and Compass, which tackle migrant homelessness and unemployment. The project visits were a valuable way to understand the wider effects of EPSR on the front line delivery of FEAD projects. 

Interactive activities

Throughout the meeting, delegates were encouraged to interact with the new FEAD Network Facebook group. The online space aims to connect members, encourage discussion and share the latest policy news.

There was a range of interactive activities for delegates to be a part of including live posting throughout the two days, interactive polls and an exclusive Facebook Live video interview with Marie-Anne Paraskevas.

Join the Facebook group to keep up to date with the FEAD and to view photos from the meeting.

Download the conference report for more details on the 10^th FEAD Network Meeting.