1. 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

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

3. 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…

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
EAPN: An Overview
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
For more information:
Sian Jones – Policy Coordinator
18 Square de Meeûs, 1050 Brussels
Tel Fax