SOCIAL INCLUSION: COMMISSION ADOPTS 2006 REPORT ON SOCIAL PROTECTION AND INCLUSION.

Since the introduction of the Lisbon strategy on combating poverty and an open method of coordination (OMC) in this area, the report has nevertheless lost some of its relevance. Whereas the first two reports (2001-2003 and 2003-2005) focused solely on "social inclusion", the exercise was subsequently extended to cover pensions and retirement and social protection in general (in 2005), and then healthcare and long-term care. With each passing report, the objectives outlined at the Lisbon Summit in March 2000 of working towards "eradicating poverty" and "establishing an active and dynamic social state" have lost a little more of their acuity to be replaced by an exercise that appears increasingly formal.

The European Commission outlines six key messages.

Targeting efforts to combat exclusion.

The OMC should "focus on child and family poverty". Greater attention should also be granted to "the various forms of exclusion faced by youths from ethnic minorities living in poor quarters". Emphasis also be placed on education and training.

Keeping older people in work .

Reforms should continue to break down disincentives and enhance incentives to work longer, in parallel with progress on the treatment of older workers by employees and the labour market. The report emphasises the importance of "closely monitoring falls in replacement rates and the concept of incentives to work longer, notably regarding the potential beneficiaries of minimal pensions".

Social inclusion through employment.

The Commission recommends that "the OMC should interact effectively with the revised Lisbon strategy". In other words "the extent to which employment opportunities reach those groups most exposed to poverty (households without employment, the long-term unemployed, single...