Influencing EU policy development: points of entry for carers Christine Marking Advisor to the Eurocarers Executive

The EU and carers

No formal or limited EU remit on health care systems, health care delivery, social policies Member States are responsible and want to keep their power in these fields So: no power to directly address carers issues or put in place binding legislation However….

Carers issues are European issues : Decreasing informal care potential: Demographic ageing: increasing care need in all member states Changing family structures (fewer children, increasing mobility, more divorces) Increasing female labour market participation

Carers are a huge resource The vast majority of care is being provided by relatives, neighbours and friends This resource is the cornerstone of care provision Free of charge: invisible contribution to Member States’ economy and health care systems Not sufficiently recognised by EU and national policy measures

Carers need support If carers are expected to continue to care – and they are – concrete measures need to be taken to support them

Current and future EU points of entry

The Institutional Triangle Commission proposes ParliamentCouncil amends/decides

Current and future points of entry Barroso’s policy guidelines Post Lisbon consultation EU Workforce for Health Alzheimer Communication Open Method of Coordination (health/ltc) Mental health European Years Health Strategy Health inequalities The PROGRESS programme Communication long term care provision (2010) Employment Strategy

Barroso’s policy guidelines Set the scene for the coming 5 years Many references to ageing and demographic change Strong emphasis on employment and social policies

Post Lisbon consultation Feeds in to priority setting in social and employment field Opportunity to advocate carers issues (also via the European Parliament)

EU Workforce for health Consultation ‘Green Paper’ December 2008 Green Paper: no mention of carers Explicit recognition by Commissioner Eurocarers response Follow up White paper expected

Alzheimer Communication Presented by Commission July 09 Carers contribution recognised Carers not mentioned under planned actions

Open Method of Coordination Focus on social security and social exclusion Strand on health and long term care Carers feature but not strong enough

Mental Health Pact Activities in 5 areas: - older people - young people - workplace mental health - depression and suicide - stigma Carers not specifically mentioned

Health strategy Overarching framework for EU health activities Carers not mentioned but many points of entry Will be evaluated in 2013

Health inequalities Consultation on future action

PROGRESS Brings together former separate action programmes on equal opportunities, social inclusion, anti discrimination, employment… Eurocarers applied for funding, but without success

European Years 2010:Social inclusion 2011: Volunteering 2012: Active ageing and Solidarity between the Generations (?) Local, national, EU level actions possible

2010 Communication on long term care Opportunity for proactive lobbying

Employment initiatives European Employment strategy ‘Flexicurity’ Employment Guidelines Reconciliation of work and family life

What do we need to do? Active policy monitoring, analysis and response Be creative and seek points of entry Develop clear and focused policy messages and positions Develop stakeholder links and cooperation Make use of the Interest Group (PQ’s, amending reports, Written Declarations…) Communication (website, newsletter, contact programmes..)

Thank you!