Caritas Actions Reinforce the European Social Dimension IV

ongoing

With the proposed 4-year strategic plan, Caritas Europa (CE), through its network of 49 member organisations in 46 European countries, aims to promote social inclusion and combatting poverty and thus contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and its Action Plan. Whilst all principles are of relevance to CE’s work, special focus will be given to principles (3) Equal opportunities, (11) Childcare and support to children, (12) Social protection, (14) Minimum Income, (18) Long-term care, (19) Housing and assistance for the homeless. The objective is to reinforce the understanding of, and contribution to, important EU processes relating to the EPSR and the European Semester, whilst bringing the reality of people experiencing poverty to the attention of European and national stakeholders and key actors, in order to ensure the most adequate policy response. Therefore, CE focuses its activities on policy contribution and support as well as capacity strengthening, communication and dissemination activities. Our work aims at ensuring that the dignity of all people is respected, irrespective of their life situation or background. To allow for the best possible impact of our action, CE puts strong emphasis on good governance, as well as on social innovation, youth participation & engagement as well as environmental sustainability as cross-cutting priorities in all our work. The direct beneficiaries of CE’s actions are first and foremost its national members, who, in turn, work directly with the people in the most vulnerable and marginalised situations, fostering social inclusion and participation. Thanks to the Caritas network capillary presence at national, regional, and local levels in 46 countries, including all EU Member States, CE is able to collect valuable data and bring the lived experience of people experiencing poverty and exclusion to the European level. Therefore, policy makers at EU level will also benefit from CE’s work.