1. Case Study of EAPN’s policy making: Minimum Income Campaign
The European Anti-Poverty Network
Tanya Basarab

2. RISK OF POVERTY THRESHOLD: < 60% MEDIAN INCOME
POVERTY, INEQUALITY
AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION
RISK OF POVERTY THRESHOLD: < 60% MEDIAN INCOME
84 million Europeans (16%)
But strong differences across countries:
10-12 % in CZ, NL, SE, AT, HU, SL
19-21% in RO, UK, EL, PT, ES, LV
19% of children, 20% older people, 20% of young people (18-24)
34% of single parents
8% of working population (in-work poverty)
Lack of strong progress in poverty eradication over last decade
Increase in income inequality (between top and bottom 20%), from 4.5 to 4.8% from 2000 to 2007

3. What is needed to stand up against poverty?
POVERTY, INEQUALITY
AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION
What is needed to stand up against poverty?
Poverty as a denial of fundamental rights
– rights and dignity for all, breaking stereotypes, addressing discrimination
An economy at the service of people
– achieving a fairer distribution of wealth
Policy mix
– poverty can not be solved by social policies alone
Universal, targeted services
– not poor services for poor people
A well functioning democracy
- representation and participation
Solidarity across the globe
– the fight against poverty outside and inside Europe is part of the same struggle

4. 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:
Message must be tailor-made to fit each level of lobbying:
Technical – detailed inputs
Political – broader, campaigning inputs

5. 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

6. 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