HOW EAPN ENGAGES WITH THE EU POLICY AGENDA EAPN: An Overview HOW EAPN ENGAGES WITH THE EU POLICY AGENDA The European Anti-Poverty Network Sian Jones

EAPN approach to achieving policy change EAPN: An Overview EAPN approach to achieving policy change Lobbying and Alliance Building Campaigning/awareness raising

Shaping versus reacting: be there when the page is still blank… WHAT IS LOBBYING? Delivering the right message At the right time In the right form To the right people Shaping versus reacting: be there when the page is still blank…

Council and formations (eg SPC) WHO DO YOU TARGET? European Commission European Parliament Council and formations (eg SPC) Message must be tailor-made to fit each level of lobbying: Technical – detailed inputs Political – broader, campaigning inputs

EAPN LOBBYING IN PRACTICE Aiming to shape, as well as respond Balancing overt lobbying with partnership Building Alliances for change – EU/national Our strength comes from our members!. National members engage and shape national/ EU process (OMC /EU2020) Reviewing together progress Lobbying together for changes

THE ADDED VALUE OF EAPN EAPN EUROPEAN UNION NATIONAL NETWORKS MEMBER STATES LOCAL ORGANISATIONS People experiencing poverty and social exclusion REGIONAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES Policy axis Networking axis Lobbying axis ‘Impact’ axis

Checklist for preparing your input What process will you follow? What policy priorities would you propose? What proposals would you make on process? What format will you use to present the proposal? What evidence do you need? What’s the timeline? What follow up will you do? Message must be tailor-made to fit each level of lobbying: Technical – detailed inputs Political – broader, campaigning inputs

CAMPAIGNING AND AWARENESS-RAISING Raising awareness of the causes of poverty and impact on people experiencing poverty Poverty and wealth explainers. Exchanging and promoting alternative practices and solutions Active Inclusion booklet/Peer Reviews Campaigning for change Minimum Income and 2010 Year: www.endpoverty.eu Message must be tailor-made to fit each level of lobbying: Technical – detailed inputs Political – broader, campaigning inputs

THE MINIMUM INCOME CAMPAIGN EAPN: An Overview THE MINIMUM INCOME CAMPAIGN Why an adequate Minimum Income? 80 million people in poverty (poverty target) – minimum income/social protection reduces poverty by a 1/3 Fundamental right and respect for human dignity Gives security and provides a foundation for participation and work Pre-condition for social cohesion Prevents inter-generational transmission of poverty Supports consumption and is an automatic stabilizer Prevents social dumping, provides sound hierarchy for wages Policy framework: 1992 Council Recommendation 2008 Active Inclusion Recommendation

THE MINIMUM INCOME CAMPAIGN EAPN: An Overview THE MINIMUM INCOME CAMPAIGN New EAPN Campaign 2008 – 10 Rationale: - Minimum Income is vital for social cohesion and sustainable development Not sufficient - EL, IT, HU and NO don’t have schemes Flaws with adequacy, take-up, accessibility, stigma.. STAGE I – poster, leaflets, postcards, Myths & Realities STAGE II – appeal and petition; STAGE III – letters to MPs / MEPs to live on minimum income for one day GET INVOLVED – sign the petition on www.adequateincome.eu

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! EAPN: An Overview THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! For more information: Sian Jones – Policy Coordinator Sian.Jones@eapn.eu 18 Square de Meeûs, 1050 Brussels Tel. +32.2.226.58.50 - Fax. +32.2.226.58.69 www.eapn.eu; www.endpoverty.eu; www.adequateincome.eu