Working towards a strong Social Dimension of Europe 2020

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Bruxelles from 21st – 23rd November 2011 That is why the Church and Society Commission of CEC and Eurodiaconia[2] are organising a seminar on “Strengthening the Social Dimension in European and National policies – Exploring the Europe 2020 Strategy“. At a time of financial and economic crisis and increasing austerity measures, the Europe 2020 commitment to Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth is in danger. The social dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy is being weakened by the continuing emphasis on growth and austerity as the only way out of the crisis. All stakeholders’ efforts and involvement are needed to overcome this ongoing crisis. Churches and diaconia, active all over Europe and working with the most vulnerable people, have an essential responsibility and a specific role to play in shaping the way out of the crisis, ensuring social safeguards mark out any exit strategy.
This seminar will aim to equip church and diaconal actors to engage in the Europe 2020 process at national and European level. It will be followed by a reception, with Ms. Jean Lambert MEP as key note speaker to address the issue of the contribution of the first European semester to the Europe 2020 strategy. This will be an occasion for church and diaconal actors striving to be actively involved in the Europe 2020 process to meet with representatives of the EU institutions, to discuss further the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategic goals at national level, especially through the employment and poverty targets.
Eurodiaconia is a dynamic, Europe wide community of organisations founded in the Christian faith and working in the tradition of Diaconia, who are committed to a Europe of solidarity, equality and justice.