Liberals and Democrats welcome the European Commission’s social package, presented today, as a crucial step in modernizing Europe’s social contract and ensuring that no one is left behind. Encompassing the first ever EU anti-poverty strategy, a strengthened Child Guarantee, measures against housing exclusion, and the long-awaited and much needed enhanced EU strategy for the rights for persons with disabilities, aligns with our long-standing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and cohesive European Union.
Breaking the cycle of poverty, securing basic living conditions, and dismantling systemic barriers for vulnerable groups are not only moral imperatives for us but also the foundation of individual empowerment and equal opportunities. By addressing these challenges, the Commission’s package paves the way for a society we strive for, where everyone can thrive, contribute, and benefit from the EU’s shared prosperity.
Jana Toom, Renew Europe’s Coordinator in the Committee on Employment and Social affairs, said: “In these uncertain times, the cost of living is top of mind for most Europeans. With one in five Europeans at risk of poverty or social exclusion, it is high time that the EU is taking a major step with the Anti-poverty strategy. We must put this into practice with adequate allocations in the next EU budget and through the upcoming Quality Jobs Act.”
Hristo Petrov, Chair of the Working Group on the European Child Guarantee and Member of the Committee on Employment and Social affairs, says: “The EU Anti-Poverty Strategy marks a positive step forward for Europe’s most vulnerable. The life-cycle approach is notably welcomed, as it is during childhood that the foundations are laid. The Strategy sets out the right course of action based on access to quality jobs, increased support from social services for families and the fight against discrimination. We can’t expect to eradicate poverty using old tools. We must adopt a targeted approach for children in need, young people, and Roma communities, backed by budgetary resources at European level. Strengthening the Child Guarantee will be crucial in this context to ensure integrated access not only to essential services but also to social, sporting and cultural experiences, for the well-being of children and to prevent the next generation from falling into poverty.”
