At European level, active inclusion is at the cross-section of social and economic policies. The European Commission’s initiative builds on existing national policy and local practice and aims to help shape further reform.

The European Employment Strategy and the social inclusion framework provide a cooperation framework for Member States and the European Commission. Within both processes, national governments formally agree common objectives and regularly report on national employment and social inclusion policies designed to achieve these objectives. The social inclusion framework also supports transnational exchange, learning and research.

In 2006 the European Commission, further recognising the need to integrate employment and social inclusion policy, developed the concept of active inclusion, to help Member States mobilise those who can work and provide adequate support to those who cannot. The Commission’s approach combines three key elements: (1) adequate income support, (2) access to inclusive labour markets and (3) quality social services. Based on these three strands, the Commission is developing a set of policy principles.

ESN is in dialogue with European institutions and stakeholders so that social directors can help shape European and national policies on active inclusion.