SOCIAL POLICY : MEMBER STATES WARNED AGAINST CUTTING SOCIAL SPENDING.

In the light of the current social slump, the European Commission is urging member states to improve the performance of their social protection systems. On 20 February, it adopted a social investment package, which covers child poverty, homelessness, health care, activating the unemployed, and Community funding. However, within this slightly ragbag strategy (which comprises a total of nine documents) is hidden a timely political message: the Commission is warning against irresponsible cuts to social spending.

"Within existing budget constraints, member states need to shift their focus to investment in human capital and social cohesion. This can make a real difference if we want to make real progress towards the objectives of the Europe 2020' strategy. Social investment today helps to prevent member states...