1. EU Policy Update The changing EU context – What way forward.
Sian Jones, Policy Coordinator,
European Anti Poverty Network

2. Outline The Policy Context – Juncker’s priorities
Institutional frame - Commission reorganization
What impact on Europe 2020 and the Semester?
EAPN Action and Approach

3. Juncker’s Priorities Dominate Agenda
Juncker’s Political Guidelines dominant driver: growth, jobs and investment – but not social investment, flexible fiscal consolidation
Commission Work Programme 2015 pledges ‘less interference in daily lives, making a difference on economic/social challenges’
23 new initiatives and controversial withdrawal of key ‘stuck initiatives’ like the Maternity Leave Directive if no progress..
Investment Plan for Europe – 315 billion over next 3 years through leverage of mainly private finances in infrastructure.
Reinforcing the Single Market – digital/telecommunications and European Energy Union – securing supply not energy poverty
Fairer approach to Taxation – tax evasion/ corporate tax bases.
European Agenda on Migration – focus on skilled migrants, cooperation on Fortress Europe but action on human trafficking.
Deeper Economic and Monetary Union – reinforcing the 6 pack.

4. Impact of Commission Reorganization
Key new Commissioners with new roles for Vice Presidents: particularly Dombrovskis (Euro and the Semester), Timmermans (better regulation)
Unclear implications for Commissioner Thyssen
DG Employment - Social Inclusion gone from title and low visibility in priorities
Reorganization of DG Employment to fit new priorities – 5 new pillars – EU governance, employment, skills, mobility, social affairs, investment.
Social inclusion to come together with disability – with combined focus on ‘vulnerable groups’, social investment/ protection.
Structural Funds Desks to be redistributed within the 5 key areas.

5. Where is Europe 2020 and the Semester?
Worrying shift away from Europe 2020 = Barroso’s baby..
Annual Growth Survey 2015 priorities: Investment package 2) Structural Reforms – internal market/liberalisation, 3) more flexible fiscal consolidation
Almost no mention of Europe 2020, poverty and other targets, social investment or social dimension.
Mid-Term Review postponed from 2015 to 2016, with consultation summary in 2015.
New Commission re-organization reflects changing status – active inclusion also ‘lost’ replaced by social investment.
However, Structural Funds have to deliver on Europe 2020 priorities: 20% on social inclusion and poverty
Greek Elections rejection of austerity – a game changer?

6. European Semester Process continues
European Semester is dominant but used to deliver Juncker’s priorities + reinforce economic governance
Basic process on the Semester the same for 2015
NRPs prepared by end of April
CSRs by Commission/Council – End of May/June
Implementation -MS/ budget surveillance in October.
AGS 2016 in November 2015
Only change earlier publishing of Single Analytical Document (SAD)-In-depth macro-economic balances and Staff Working Document review in March
National Social Reports planned but unclear role?

7. Some Good News on Participation?
Recognition of need for ‘increasing ownership and accountability’ in AGS
Increased pressure by Commission for stakeholder involvement and use of ESOs
Positive examples of engagement of Commission on CSRs EAPN – IE, PT, ES..
Support from Dombrovskis and cabinet?

8. EAPN Action and Approach
Input/conference on Mid-Term Review consultation
Lobbying at Annual Convention and in letters to EPSCO, Council inputs to conferences at EU level
Successful EP Semester Alliance hearing – Dec 3
Response to AGS: fresh start or broken promises
Demonstrate Europe 2020 is relevant with poverty target at centre
Public investment for quality jobs, also in service/NGO
Jobs alone not sufficient – social investment/protection
Reinforce social standards, not austerity and race to the bottom
Put social and economic indicators on a par
Make civil society partners in design as well as implementation.

9. EAPN Action and Approach
Increased direct lobbying:
Meetings of Bureau with Juncker and Thyssen’s cabinet, and with Dombrovskis.
DG Employment Director General – M. Servoz on Semester Alliance.
Increased working with EP cross-party grouping including on AGS report on the European Semester (Prieto)

10. What way forward?
What action can we take to prevent Europe 2020 being dropped?
What’s our approach to the new investment package – what opportunities?
European Semester is key, how can we capitalize on increased support for stakeholder engagement?

11. Thank you for your attention!
For more information contact Sian Jones, EAPN Policy Coordinator