Mr Proinsias de Rossa MEP has called for a more active and participative role for the European Union in the development and implementation of social policy.
Addressing a European Anti-Poverty conference in Lisbon at the weekend, he stressed that now, more than ever, a balance has to be struck between economic and monetary policies on the one hand, and social policies on the other. This balance has to be found at European level.
"Social protection in Europe is facing considerable challenges however. These include the changing nature of employment, changing demographics, and social change. Deepening economic integration makes it imperative that answers are found at European level to these challenges," he said.
