Commission proposes new measures to fight poverty and improve the lives of persons with disabilities
Today, the European Commission has unveiled an ambitious social plan aimed at helping to eradicate poverty and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities across the EU. The package includes the first-ever EU anti-poverty strategy – the Commission’s plan to help end poverty in the EU by 2050; a proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion; and two communications: one on breaking the cycle of child poverty – strengthening the European Child Guarantee – and one on reinforcing the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030.
With 52% of Europeans citing the cost of living as their top concern, the EU is tackling three urgent challenges: a housing crisis (lack of affordable housing is seen as an immediate and urgent problem by 40% of citizens, and 1 million are homeless); barriers to participation to a rapidly changing labour market; and poverty, affecting 1 in 5 Europeans – and 1 in 4 children.
In addition, many socio-economically vulnerable people are also exposed to discrimination and stigma. More needs to be done to ensure their rights are safeguarded. That includes the rights of persons with disabilities which must be fully realised in every aspect of life.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Poverty and exclusion are challenges we can and must overcome. Today, we put forward a strategy to prevent and reduce poverty. We are taking decisive action with a strengthened Child Guarantee, better prevention of homelessness and full inclusion for persons with disabilities. Dignity, opportunity, and equality. These are key values in the Europe we are building.”
More information is available in the press release; questions and answers and factsheet on the anti-poverty package; and in the questions and answers and factsheet on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities across the EU.Commission proposes new measures to fight poverty and improve the lives of persons with disabilities
Today, the European Commission has unveiled an ambitious social plan aimed at helping to eradicate poverty and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities across the EU. The package includes the first-ever EU anti-poverty strategy – the Commission’s plan to help end poverty in the EU by 2050; a proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion; and two communications: one on breaking the cycle of child poverty – strengthening the European Child Guarantee – and one on reinforcing the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030.
With 52% of Europeans citing the cost of living as their top concern, the EU is tackling three urgent challenges: a housing crisis (lack of affordable housing is seen as an immediate and urgent problem by 40% of citizens, and 1 million are homeless); barriers to participation to a rapidly changing labour market; and poverty, affecting 1 in 5 Europeans – and 1 in 4 children.
In addition, many socio-economically vulnerable people are also exposed to discrimination and stigma. More needs to be done to ensure their rights are safeguarded. That includes the rights of persons with disabilities which must be fully realised in every aspect of life.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Poverty and exclusion are challenges we can and must overcome. Today, we put forward a strategy to prevent and reduce poverty. We are taking decisive action with a strengthened Child Guarantee, better prevention of homelessness and full inclusion for persons with disabilities. Dignity, opportunity, and equality. These are key values in the Europe we are building.”
More information is available in the press release; questions and answers and factsheet on the anti-poverty package; and in the questions and answers and factsheet on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities across the EU.
