The importance of inclusivity

The economic and social realities now facing Europe present various challenges to policymakers. One of the more serious consequences of unemployment, strained incomes and increased migration is lack of access to adequate housing.

…even though extreme poverty is quite low, relative poverty is rampant…- David Casa

Certain sectors of society are more vulnerable and are thus more exposed to falling below the poverty line. Inevitably, a change in financial means must bring a change in lifestyle. This could have various grave implications not least of which is housing. It is the responsibility of each member state to ensure the provision of adequate housing for its citizens. However, due to different circumstances, such as migration, that are not easily foreseen, this has become somewhat more problematic and would benefit from coordination at EU level.

One priority should certainly be the identification of those individuals that have been marginalised from society and the taking of actions aimed at reintegrating them into the labour market. But prevention is better than cure. Member states should also be able to identify those sectors of society that are more vulnerable and take measures to ensure inclusivity early on, through targeted education and training, for instance.

Ensuring that individuals are given the means and opportunity to generate an income is a fundamental step towards their leading an independent, constructive life, which should be the aspiration of every EU citizen.

Nevertheless, there undoubtedly exist situations in which individuals, due to circumstances outside their control, are prevented from engaging in remunerative employment and, thus, special provision should also be made for these people.

We must admit that, even though Europe boasts of a high level of wealth, it is undeniable that this wealth is not evenly distributed and, even though extreme poverty is quite low, relative poverty is rampant, especially in certain communities, which, for one reason or another, have never fully integrated in society.

Along with the housing problems that these people have there are other matters that should be addressed, such as access to medical care and education.

A few years back there would have been no doubt in my mind that future generations would lead a better life than that of their parents. But with the economic turmoil of recent years and the hurdles young people must overcome this is perhaps no longer a foregone conclusion for all EU citizens. Inclusion policies can play a vital role. In many cases, these people are resigned to their way of life and make little effort to alter their reality, allowing for the setting of a pattern reflected in the lives of their children.

Relative poverty also leads to social exclusion, extracurricular activities become rare due to the lack of income and, thus, idleness takes over. Even though many times help is just round the corner, red tape and bureaucracy cause apathy and effective aid is denied because of burdensome rules and regulations.

For people living on the border of the poverty line, every day can be an uphill struggle. Isolation, lack of hope and powerlessness to change are a few of the factors these people have to face day in, day out. To add insult to injury, these people are many a time exploited, abused and discriminated against. This is unacceptable in a modern society like ours. We have to understand that the jobless or those waiting for social accommodation are not just a statistic but real people.

The Social Europe model should be safeguarded and a lot more can still be done to identify those who really need help and, through the implementation of the right policies, aid these individuals while concurrently generating employment and economic growth. We must work harder to close the social gap and to ensure that all have the opportunity to work towards a productive life and build a brighter future for their children.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.