European Commission criticised

The European Commission's failure to act quickly to tackle social exclusion in the current difficult economic times has been strongly criticised by Claudette Abela Baldacchino, the Committee of the Regions' rapporteur on equal opportunities.

"Social cohesion in Europe can only be sustained if we have policies that are designed to develop people’s competencies and to ensure that those who are at risk of social exclusion are fully integrated in the life of our communities," Ms Abela Baldacchino told CoR members in Brussels today, as her opinion was adopted at the Plenary Session.

"This can only be achieved if we fight discrimination in our societies and recognise people’s abilities and create an environment, both socially and economically, for people to succeed."

Ms Abela Baldacchino expressed her preoccupation that the recent results in the European Parliamentary elections were likely to make the achievement of a more social Europe even more difficult.

"We need to enhance our commitment to the core values that have made this European Union a reference point for all those upholding democratic values throughout the world, making the European Union a beacon of light and of hope for all those at risk of social exclusion. The fight for equal treatment and against any discrimination on the basis of religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation is a key element of this European endeavour," she sai.

She said the results of the recent European elections showed the risk of a serious disillusionment by the majority of European citizens who felt that their concerns no longer mattered to the European institutions.

"We must work very hard to reverse this dangerous trend by ensuring that people are truly placed at the heart of European politics."

She underlined the key role of local and regional authorities across the EU in the creation of an environment in which all citizens, irrespective of their views, race or sexual orientation could fully participate in social life.

"It is important for the European institutions to realise that there cannot be social harmony within the European Union unless there is social justice, and there can be no social justice without true equality amongst the people of Europe. The European Union should be proactive and take the initiative to bring about the necessary change to outdated policies and procedures so that every European citizen can be, and more importantly, feel that they are, a valuable member of a society where everyone can maximise their potential and escape from social and economic poverty. In this respect, this opinion should be seen as a document of hope and trust which advocates a paradigm shift away from the status quo to a new Europe in which people are empowered to succeed."