Launch of a European Network of Journalists specialised in social affairs

A European network of journalsts specialised in social protection and social inclusion issues is being launched for a trial period, and which will last until December 2007. Through it, the European Commission intends to draw the attention of specialised media on the growing number of initiatives taken since 2000 in order to better coordinate the social policies of Member States. Its activities aim to fulfil three types of needs:

 Improving the understanding of social exclusion and poverty with the help in particular of indicators that allow for comparisons;
 Organising exchanges on policies which are implemented and promoting mutual learning in the context of national action plans;
 Developing the capacity of actors to address social exclusion and poverty effectively, and to promote innovative approaches.

The activities of the Network will focus on eight themes considered as a priority at EU level:

1. Child poverty
2. Labour market inclusion
3. Housing and homelessness
4. Inclusion of vulnerable groups
5. Financial exclusion and overindebtedness
6. Reform of pension systems and portability of pensions
7. Long-term care
8. Social services of general interest

Two types of services are provided, all free of charge:

1. The setup and maintenance of a Europe-wide database of journalists and publications with a specific interest in social affairs, and more particularly in the themes listed above.
2. The supply of information materials and ‘pointers’ to projects, programmes and policies showcasing concretely the benefits of cross-border partnerships in fields which are usually very ‘nation-centered’.

These services are already available on the website of Gellis Communications - which has been contracted by the European Commission to set up and maintain this Network – at the following address: http://www.gellis.com/spsi/network.php