Towards a Social Europe
Ireland is going through a period of transformational change. A sudden and deep recession, a crisis-ridden financial system and sky-rocketing unemployment have shaken the nation’s confidence, and shattered long-held certainties at the core of our economic and social models. Active exclusion of the marginalised and disenfranchised members of our society has become deeply entrenched at the highest levels of government and policy-making. Similarly, certainty with regard to our place in Europe has given way to suspicion, disenchantment and a protracted period of soul-searching.
Taken together, these forces indicate a society in crisis; unsure of our economic and social security, and uneasy about our place in Europe and the world. But we are not alone in facing this crisis. Serious questions about the nature of European societies are emerging, and we must quickly find answers and implement solutions.
We are working for a Social Europe free of poverty and social exclusion with access to economic, social and cultural rights for all.
To achieve this we seek:
- A fair distribution of wealth,
- Accessible quality employment,
- High levels of social protection,
- An end to discrimination
- The meaningful participation -through the organisations in which they participate- of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion.
The European Union is an imperfect model, but if it is utilised to its full potential, it too can be transformed within the uncertain parameters of this shared crisis; a transformational EU that places social inclusion and the reduction of poverty firmly at the top of the agenda.
