While the Member States have traditionally been responsible for the majority of social policy making in the EU, the Commission has been trying to increase co-ordination in a number of areas. These areas often have an impact on the local and regional level.

The European Commission’s involvement in social policy falls broadly under the following categories:

• Employment policy
• Working life policy (including labour standards the modernisation of work and the development of the social dialogue)
• Social inclusion
• Equality between men and women
• Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination

Social Agenda

A key element shaping the EU’s social policy is the Social Agenda. This document sets out how the Commission uses its right of initiative in social policy. The strategy aims to make the EU the most competitive, knowledge-based society in the world by 2010.

Following the recommendations of a mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy, the Commission published it's Social Agenda ( 2005-2010) in 2005. This identifies the priorities for the EU, and contains a package of measures which will be implemented to achieve them.

2010 European Year of combating poverty and social xclusion

Each year the European Commission holds a ‘European Year’ which focuses on a particular policy area or objective. Details of the Year are available from the Brussels Office. To find out more click here.

Corporate Social Responsibilty

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. Responsibility for CSR lies with two departments in the Commission - Employment and Social Affairs, and Enterprise and Industry. In 2006 the Commission issued its Communication on Corporate Social Responsibility 'Implementing the Partnership for Growth and Jobs: Making Europe a Pole of Excellence on Corporate Social Responsibility'.  For a Briefing Note click here.

Funding Programme PROGRESS

PROGRESS is the integrated Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity covering the period 2007-2013. It incorporates the four specific Community Action Programmes which currently support the implementation of the social policy agenda. It is designed to complement the European Social Fund.

For a Briefing note click here.

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For more information contact Jackie Eveleigh at jeveleigh"east-of-england.eu