Encouraging an Intergroup on Social Services and Social Economy in the EP

8 representing organisations, that group over 100,000 social services across Europe and across the social sector, would like to propose the establishment of an Intergroup on Social Economy and Social Services in the newly elected European Parliament.

The representatives of these associations, would be honored to support the work of this Intergroup throughout its lifetime.

There are many good reasons for setting up this Intergroup:

• The sector of social services and social economy is booming and has enormous employment potential: it provides already more than 10% of jobs in Europe and up to 3 to 5% additional jobs could be created. Some EU countries are already facing a shortage of staff and there is a lack of well trained professionals and budgetary resources;
• Social services and social economy enterprises are deeply rooted in society. They contribute to the social cohesion of communities and facilitate social inclusion of vulnerable people. Social services are the glue that keeps communities together and bridge the gap between the theoretical human rights and day to day quality of life;
• The sector is confronted with huge challenges and there is need for modernization and reform. The demographic change, mobility of workers, the ageing of the European population, and high levels of social exclusion require a European understanding of quality of services. The European Commission has initiated a number of processes involving the Member States aiming to promote the quality of social services within the EU e.g. Active Inclusion principles, transnational projects, voluntary quality framework;
• Many European legislative instruments, such as public procurement rules and the penetration of market mechanisms in the sector, the State Aid Regulation and the Employment Equality Directive have a major impact on the sector. The effect of some of these instruments needs to be evaluated if social services are to thrive;
• One of the main concerns of the recently elected European Parliament will undoubtedly be the financial and economic crisis. This crisis hits the social sector and vulnerable groups in society very hard - budgets for social protection have been reduced and modernisation plans have been put on hold - therefore, further action is required. All available research gives evidence that in times of crisis social services help people and communities to bounce back and reduce the negative effects of the downturn.

The most important reason for renewing this Intergroup, however, might be the need for a strong Social Europe, making the further development of the economy sustainable. Available evidence proves that a strong economy needs a well developed social sector, just as a strong social sector needs a well functioning economy.

The 8 call on the European Parliament to promote a better and clearer understanding of the situation at grassroots level in local communities, villages and cities across Europe. By setting up an Intergroup on Social Economy and Social Services the European Parliament would have a platform to assess the social situation its citizens are in and a forum to explore possible new avenues when promoting a Europe with equal opportunities for all.

Respecting the autonomy and competences of the European Parliament, the 8 would not support the founding of an Intergroup on Services of General Interest including social services because this setting might overshadow the very specific needs of the social sector and social economy.

The 8 organisations are:

Caritas Europa

CEDAG

EASPD

EPR

Eurodiaconia

FEANTSA

SOLIDAR

Workability Europe

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