The European Union has unveiled an ambitious action plan aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape by 2030. This comprehensive strategy focuses on boosting employment rates, enhancing adult education, and significantly reducing poverty across the continent. Central to the plan are key targets such as ensuring that at least 78% of people aged 20 to 64 are employed, no less than 60% of adults participate in training annually, and a reduction of poverty by at least 15 million individuals.
Child poverty is also a primary concern, with around 20 million children at risk within the EU. The European Union aims to cut this number by a quarter by 2030 through initiatives like the European Child Guarantee, which promises access to education, healthcare, nutritious food, and decent housing for all children. This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to uphold the 20 principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which guide the EU's efforts to create a fair and inclusive society.
The European Social Fund Plus, with a substantial budget of 142.7 billion euros, plays a pivotal role in advancing these social rights. It enables each member state to tailor initiatives to its specific socio-economic needs and agreed investment priorities with the EU. A notable example of this in action is the "Zero Long-Term Unemployment Territories" project, which focuses on job creation in rural areas.
Marie-Fabienne Lavoisier, a participant in this project, shared her experience:
"I’m about to turn 58 and I’ve been working at Tezea for almost three years. I mainly sort items and put them in the store, and occasionally I work in the warehouse to receive donated items when people bring things in."
The project has already made significant strides in France, deployed across about sixty territories, and is inspiring similar efforts in four other European countries. In Pipriac, France, the initiative has successfully reduced unemployment from 13% to less than 5%.
"We went from 13% unemployment in the Pipriac area to less than 5%. If we want to ultimately combat long-term unemployment, this is one of the only models that has shown it can be done." – Marie-Fabienne Lavoisier
Beyond employment, the EU is investing heavily in adult education and skills development through initiatives like the European Year of Skills. This focus on education aligns with the EU’s goal of fostering economic growth and improving citizen well-being. Rodica, an educator who participated in the program, expressed her enthusiasm:
"I'm better at teaching in general. My students will like the classes more because we learned a few ways of making the class more attractive. They should be motivated to come to school."
The European Union's commitment extends to protecting platform workers and ensuring adequate minimum wages through new legislation. This legislative push is part of a broader effort to create a strong social Europe characterized by fair working conditions, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
In France, the "Zero Long-Term Unemployment Territories" project exemplifies how targeted initiatives can foster economic resilience. Serge Marhic, involved in the project’s implementation, highlighted its impact:
"By financing part of the salary, we are able to create permanent jobs, generate wealth, and stimulate production."
This project provides a diverse range of activities for employment, including recycling, grocery store work, and firewood cutting. Such efforts not only offer jobs but also help people regain their dignity and social connections.
Marie-Fabienne Lavoisier described how her involvement gave her life new meaning:
"It allowed me to regain a social life. It also gave meaning to my life and my daily routine. We need to return to solidarity and human values because that's what allows us to overcome challenges."
The EU's focus on housing also plays a crucial role in combating poverty. Cosmina Pandele emphasized the importance of providing stable homes:
"It is a chance that belongs not only to those who now live in these dwellings but to all those who will be born into these families. What we are trying to do is to provide these people with access to a normality that will allow them to grow, develop and become adults that we can rely on."
Gabriela's story illustrates how access to proper housing can transform lives:
"The situation there was starting to get very bad; the mould had started to grow on the walls, and my child went to the hospital. I also stayed at the hospital because the house was too dirty."
With improved living conditions:
"Even now we can't believe that it is ours; it has changed our lives for the better."
Valentin, another beneficiary, shared his journey from homelessness to stability:
"When they kicked us out, until I found an apartment to rent I slept in the car for three days; me, my wife and my daughter."
He now actively supports others moving into better housing:
"I want to share and help the others who are moving here, and even when I am done with my volunteering hours with Habitat, I will say: 'I will help you, let's do it!'"
Valentin's resilience showcases the broader impact of EU social initiatives:
"I had cancer eight years ago, and I lost my husband three years ago also to cancer. So, at 55 finding a job was far from guaranteed because it's an age where for many companies, we're no longer profitable."
The EU's multifaceted approach helps individuals like Valentin regain their footing:
"Then, when I was renting, I didn’t have much money left because it was very expensive. I had enough, let's say, for food, but not for the rest, like clothes, no way."
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