Social Protection and Minimum Income | The Policy Dialogue

Introduction

Social protection is a system that offer safeguarding and assistance in addressing the challenges related to unemployment, illness, parenthood, and social marginalisation.

Access to social protection, the advancement of social inclusion, and the fight against poverty constitute fundamental principles in the EU. Despite a decline in poverty rates over the last decade, it is not possible to say the same for disparities.

The financial circumstances of the most disadvantaged individuals have not shown signs of improvement.

This issue was discussed during the policy dialogue with Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. The event was an opportunity for discussion and dialogue between organisers and participants who were young people from all over Europe

What was the event about

The pandemic highlighted preexisting disparities and although most Member States don’t have age-specific criteria for accessing social protection, there are notable discrepancies especially between young people.

During 2022, the Commission introduced a Council Recommendation aimed at raise the minimum income within the EU. This recommendation provides guidance on improving these schemes while allowing countries the flexibility to tailor and implement measures in accordance with their national practices.

Aligned with the objectives of the European Year of Youth 2022, it’s important that the concerns and innovative ideas of young people are at the forefront of the discussion.

The conclusions of the dialogue

At the end of the event participants were able to draw a series of conclusions regarding the subject.

They can be summarised in these three following points:

1. Minimum income. Minimum income should empower young people to lead a dignified life and, more importantly, facilitate their complete reintegration into society. It is a crucial instruments for levelling the socioeconomic playing field among young people from diverse backgrounds.
2. Availability of job opportunities with attractive conditions. Job insecurity has bad consequences on the ability to access social protection, pursue ongoing education, and secure future employment opportunities.
3. Improvement of diversity & inclusion. It is very important to ensure equal access to mobility and education opportunities, bridging gaps between rural and urban areas, genders, and various member states. It is also necessary to assist companies in adopting this “mindset shift” by leveraging the full potential of digital technologies.

How to see the event

If you have not been able to attend the event but are interested in deepening the topic, you can watch the video of the initiative on the official website.

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