Cities for Active Inclusion research presented at final conference

The Cities for Active Inclusion partnership presented findings at a final event in Brussels on 25 September 2013. Meeting at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels, over 120 participants gathered to hear about the findings of our five-year Cities for Active Inclusion partnership.The findings of this collaborative research are contained in a new report, ‘Investing in an inclusive society’ which was launched at the event. The report explores the ways in which different European cities are implementing active inclusion policies to ensure that the most vulnerable groups are able to participate actively in society. The partnership has also produced several collections of good practices looking at different aspects of active inclusion, from young people to demographic change and social innovation.
Please find the final agenda and the presentations of the day here: http://www.eurocities-nlao.eu/nlao/news/Cities-for-Active-Inclusion-research-presented-at-final-conference-WSWE-9C2RJY

For coordinated European measures to prevent and combat energy poverty

To address the issue of energy poverty, the EESC calls for a European energy security and solidarity commitment within the framework of a European energy community which would drive forward a truly European policy and aim to: protect individuals and prevent their social exclusion; take action to reduce the factors of structural vulnerability; and encourage everyone to assume responsibility for using sustainable and renewable energy resources.

http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.ten-opinions.27515

Financial education for all - Financial education strategies and best practices within the European Union

With this publication, the EESC, as the institutional representative of organised civil society at European level, wishes to make its own contribution to this process, by helping to disseminate information on financial education initiatives.

The publication is available in english, french and spanish: http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/financial-education-for-all-pbQE3012894/?CatalogCategoryID=iEKep2Ix3hEAAAEud3kBgSLq

Implementation of the European Progress Microfinance Facility — third annual report

More than 6000 entrepreneurs have already benefitted from loans worth a total of close to €50 million under the European Progress Microfinance Facility, according to the third annual report on this EU instrument. The report confirms that Progress Microfinance has significantly contributed to job creation, helping a high percentage of people who were previously unemployed or inactive into employment. In particular, microfinance facilitates self-employment and entrepreneurship among groups who typically have more difficulties to raise money, such as young people and minorities.

Press-release: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-827_en.htm

September 2013 Women and Financial Education: Evidence, Policy Responses and Guidance

This book addresses gender differences in financial literacy and reviews policy responses and initiatives across the world to tackle women’s and girls’ needs, drawing lessons from existing experiences.

http://www.oecd.org/daf/fin/financial-education/women-and-financial-education-2013.htm

September 2013: Presentation of OECD report on 'Advancing National Strategies for Financial Education'

Presentation at the G20 of the latest outcomes of OECD’s work on financial education in collaboration with Russia’s G20 Presidency: Advancing National Strategies for Financial Education.

http://www.oecd.org/daf/fin/financial-education/press-conference-financial-education.htm

EU Programme for Social Change and Innovation

On 5 September the text resulting from the negotiation process with the Council on the Programme for Social Change and Innovation has been adopted by 34 votes against 2 with 1 abstention. The Programme is part of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 and as such will define the financing of the respective areas in the European Union operations for the next seven years.EaSI will draw together three existing programmes (the Microfinance Facility, the European Employment Services-EURES, the Progress programme). EaSI will focus on helping young people, promoting gender equality, combating discrimination and reducing long-term unemployment and social exclusion.

Press release - Social policy − 05-09-2013: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20130903IPR18506/html/EU-microfinance-and-employment-services-Social-Affairs-MEPs-back-overhaul-plan