Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU

EN DIPLOCAT AGORA 3 AGORA DIPLOCAT

Inputs from Catalan social Catalan from Inputs to the EU action organisations

social Europe Proposals for a more a more for Proposals Adress La Rambla 14, principal 08002 Barcelona

Contact +34 936 405 470 [email protected] www.diplocat.cat

@CataloniaPD

@Catalonia_Diplocat

Authorship The International and Social Innovation Department of the Catalan Social Action Organisations (ECAS) www.acciosocial.org

@ecasacciosocial

Editing and layout: Enric Mercadé and Alexandre Foix

Document date: September 2020

Legal deposit : B 19253-2020 Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU

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...... What do the Catalan social action organisations What do the Catalan social action to Europe? want to say 3.4 Participant biographies biographies 3.4 Participant 3.1 Socio-economic context in 3.1 Socio-economic context workshop Employment and and summary of the Poverty 3.2 Objectives programme 3.3 Workshop The member entities of Diplocat 2. Proposals for the Action Plan 2. Proposals for the Pillar of Social Rights of the European 3. Annexes Contents 1. Introduction

Proposals for a more social Europe - 5 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU . here Public Council Diplomacy of Catalonia and the

ECAS says, social dialogue plays a central role in reinforcing social rights and a central social dialogue plays says, Diplocat also encourages civil society and Catalanorganisations to become Diplocat also encourages which was held on 8 July 2020. Poverty and Employment. What do Catalan social action organisations want to say What do Catalan social action organisations want to say and Employment. Poverty , a public-private consortium that aims Cataloniato connect promote and withworld the European Pillar The event was designed as an opportunity for European policymakers and Catalan social leaders to was designed as an opportunity for European policymakers The event quality of people’s towards improving share ideas about a common core issue: social transformation of a pandemic crisis heightenedwhich has further the need to implement life against the backdrop new emergency measures in the areas that concern us. While we know that most of the instruments affecting social rights are handled by Member States, While we know that most of the instruments affecting social rights are handled by guidelines down recommendations and help to lay European Union institutions can nevertheless to employment. linked and social exclusion especially ones tackling poverty on these policies, 1. Introduction The content of this workshop is reproduced as annex 2 to this viewed document and can be as annex The content of this workshop is reproduced As the a crucial role in pursuing play growth. Social enhancing partners at all sustainable levels and inclusive and implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights. (Diplocat) the country’s image abroad, creating links and relationships of trust with the people and institutions of other countries. in and contribute to the main global challenges and debates. It fosters their ability to be involved time on the international stage to buildin order long-lasting bridges of dialogue over major players heard. with the aim of listening and being The proposals put forward are in part the outcome of the ideas which emerged during the online workshop to Europe? was hosted in conjunction by The event Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, whichAction Plan for the European Pillar is to be presented in 2021. this document compiles the inputs from ECAS, a Federation In response to this initiative, European of Catalan Social Action Organisations dealing primarily with groups in a situation or at risk of social the direct channel of communication for citizens who wish to help towards leveraging by exclusion, social Europe. the shared construction of a more Within this framework, the European Commission has invited state, regional, local and European Commission the European has invited Within this framework, the up drawing of process input their during the institutions citizens and European to provide Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 6 - drawing Rights. ofSocial Pillar upandimplementingtheActionPlanofEuropean the frameworkwithin address totheEuropeanCommission (ECAS) processfor oftheconsultation Organisations Action Social Catalan the that proposals the are below classification, this on Based and inclusion. market;and accesstothelabour opportunities equal protection and social workingconditions; fair arranged principles twenty in anchored is Rights of Social European Pillar The three categories: in the EuropeanPillar ofSocialRights 2. Proposals fortheActionPlan of Image byCapri23autofrom Pixabay Proposals for a more social Europe - 7 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU : get back cross- with prior training to enable to with prior training , . to combat the digital divide; training plans that are closely tailored to the profiles of unemployed unemployed of profiles the to tailored closely are that plans training turning contents and methods which until now were classroom-based : for a more global world: many face-to-face actions will now have to be face-to-face will actions now have for a more global world: many ICT skills (digitalisation) Proposals: increased inequalities between countries and between exponentially This crisis has groups in each one. It is not only an economic crisis due to slump in business activity but also losses at the personal level in terms of confidence,self-esteem, etc.security, Hence, groups: the following measures are proposed for the most vulnerable Women are still one of the groups which have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis, the COVID-19 been hardest hit by are still one of the groups which have Women since most of the profiles with the greatest needs at present concernwomen: the digital higher numbers on furlough, the rise in and part-time contracts, divide, more temporary the following is proposed: etc. Accordingly, domestic violence during lockdown, Proposals: Proposals: many pandemic, of the jobs will change, others are already changing wake in the Many tasks to will be have performed telecommuting, by and a ofsignificant people generation Some of the training are to adapt to this new environment. if they to retrain will have are:should be emphasised and promoted proposals which Measures implementing positive discrimination for women in the labour market: discrimination for women in the labour market: Measures implementing positive Empowerment actions - specification of work goal and lifeproject Language skills Online training Training in Training Vocational training: training: Vocational Outplace people coming from the underground economy • them to compete with the rest of the people who are looking the regularfor a job in labour market; • cutting and personal skills, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, strength, etc. In general, recognition of skills versus CVs by requirement or duties by CVs recognition of skills versus • • our participants with the same quality into e-learning is critical order to continue in training and effectiveness; • people. • • so our language conducted online and it will be much easier to from anywhere, connect to be enhanced; proficiency will have Chapter I: Equal opportunities and access to the labour market. opportunities and access Chapter I: Equal Principle 3: Equal opportunities. Principle 2: Gender equality. Principle 1: Education, training and lifelong learning. training Principle 1: Education, Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 8 - Principle 4:Activesupporttoemployment. procedures hadtobedoneonlineandmany couldnotaccessthem. group peopleinthis cases andregistration such allthese as towns andcities Barcelona; of residency inlarge legalisation handling offices in appointments of disruption the by hampered greatly were training vocational and job • integration pathways; the person’s recoverypsychological through andlabour support asanadd-ontosocial • normal; the labourmarketuntil support for job creation andeconomicgrowth start toget back to • affected by unemployment; trainingas young schools, and new opportunity one ofthegroupsworst peoplearestill • options withsmall,very specifictraining sufficientforthemtofindwork; capsules,willbe market. and not becausethey do not haveor resources the skills needed to rejoin to the labour or unemployedon furlough currently are position because oftheCOVID-19this in are crisis • implementing thelifeproject(coordinated inmeasure3); made withtheproposal • travel, less be etc.); will there as spending local greater telecommuting, for homes out (fitting may openupnewemploymentemerge since otherneedswill opportunities economic and recycling(skills isbecoming morewidespread telecommuting that the fact for professionals): • industries whichhave beenhardesthityet have reinvent to thepotential themselves; Public anduniversal supportresources bank. Fast-track services guidance careers Youth employmentprogrammes Processing permits to regularise the situation of immigrants - programmes for first for programmes - immigrants of situation the regularise to permits Processing Redirecting towards new industries which can create jobs create can which industries new towards Redirecting Driving direct recruitment direct Driving opeesv epwret projects empowerment Comprehensive Fora fast-track thesepeople, service whichshowsthemalternative guidance • proactive policiestailoredtothecurrentneedsofworkers andenterprises: for employment,up support step need to regions and States Member genuinely with Proposals: e jb potnte i te ae industry same the in opportunities job New : during the pandemic period, people seeking legalisation legalisation peopleseeking period, : duringthepandemic : many businesses and organisations will need financial financial need will organisations and businesses many : : incentives: one-offprogrammes, for hiring, vocational both online and blended: manyand blended: bothonline ofthepeoplewho identifying skills and designing and and designing skills identifying : grants forinnovation inthe , with appropriate training appropriate , with Proposals for a more social Europe

- 9 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU Image by thumprchgo from Pixabay from thumprchgo by Image

: Soon there will be a high percentage of highwill percentage a Soon there be as a starting point for addressing processes for Basic citizenship income Support for the unstable situation of young people who have beencarein people have who Supportfor the unstable situation of young • Proposals: in the social yet being considered at the European level, Basic Income is not yet Universal in Europe. of poverty reducing the level in considerably realm, it is seen as one of the key • Proposals: been in care are people who are or have people group, young In the children and young particularly vulnerable. enhancing skills and labour market integration: a review of the funds allocated of the funds to this a review integration: enhancing skills and labour market measure since at present and at least in , both the national and Catalan minimum of income and therefore do not allow people living allowances are below the minimum level out of poverty. them to lift themselves who receive fulfilled which theseyoung people cannot meet. undocumented young people from third countries living in flats paid for with public funds of a feasible life project. prospect and without any at the moment we have a major problem with unaccompanied minors who have arrived arrived have a major problem with unaccompaniedwho minors at the moment have we under the guardianship been of the government in Catalonia in recent months, who have gained itcurrent residence permit, because renew a cannot but who have and therefore conditionseconomic are not allow of does renewal unless a number law immigration Principle 11: Childcare and support to children. Principle 11: Childcare Chapter III: Social protection and inclusion. Chapter III: Social protection Principle 14: Minimum income. Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 10 - to assistthepeoplethey workwith. Principle 20:Accesstoessentialservices. touch whichisessentialforthem. Principle 17:Inclusionofpeoplewithdisabilities. channels, etc. accessibility,greater disabilities, needs ofpeoplewith various trainingin theuseofnew • Support for Support support from their mechanisms, but theymechanisms, support fromtheir require effective also resourcesandchannels State Member in each has tobefullyeffective. excludedno oneis ensure that to designed income minimum The services fromessential Proposals: for instance), COVID-19prevention measuresleave unabletousetheirsenseof them impairment, visual as For (such do. disabilities to specific previouslyable theysome were in manyas and jobs them toperformactivities allow does not current situation casesthe byhit of thegroupshardest Another disabilities, are peoplewith crisis thepost-pandemic Proposals: tailoring resources tailoring Consequently, . Social organisations are committed tocontinuingprovideare committed organisations . Social and communication and informationchannelstothe andcommunication these essential services need to need beguaranteedservices essential these

Proposals for a more social Europe - 11 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU Annexes Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 12 - (ECAS, 2019). investment and lackofsocial privative housing Precarious work, d’inversió social privatiu imanca precari, habitatge no. 10, Source: Analysis of thelatest official data (situation priorto COVID-19) in Catalonia Annex 1.Socio-economiccontext conditions. Precariousnessperpetuatesintheemployment andhousingareas. recoverymacroeconomic improvementan to leading not is inthepopulation’s living (Gini coefficient and S80 / 20) are increasing in Catalonia.

Povertyof povertyrisk the (20%), or exclusion (AROPE rate, 23.8%)andinequalities Treball INSOCAT – Graph 2.AROPErate anditscomponentsinCatalonia, 2009-2017(%) Graph 1.At-risk-of-povertyrate inCatalonia, SpainandEU,2013-2017(%) Source: In-housedocumentbyIdescat(INE’sLivingConditionsSurvey) * Estimatedvalue * Calculatedonthe populationaged18-59years andappliedtothe population aged0-59years Source: In-housedocumentbyIdescat (INE’sLivingConditionsSurvey) Severe materialdeprivation Poverty riskrate Catalonia Spain Povertybecoming chronicand is AROPE Rate Low workintensity* European Union

Proposals for a more social Europe - 13 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU A fair

Source: reconstruction is needed and possible (Oxfam Intermón, 2020). INSOCAT 11, INSOCAT . 12.2% of poor workers (9.6% EU), 14.3% of part-time 12.2% of poor workers According people to estimates,poor of total number the -Migrations and vulnerability, (2020) and vulnerability, -Migrations is 8,146 euros, with a bias by origin (discussed in detail in origin (discussed is 8,146 euros, with a bias by The employment rate has also improved since 2012 (71.8%, EU average 72.2%, (71.8%, EU average since 2012 also has improved rate The employment There is a worrying increase in inequalities (much higher loss of income among the Unemployment has Unemployment been yearsfalling (11.5% in for five 2018 vs. 23.1% in2013) but is The most worrying aspect in terms of employment and labour market is the increase in labour market and The most worrying aspect in terms of employment

23.1%), with a drop of 9% in GDP and an increase in unemployment to 19%. and an increase in unemployment 23.1%), with a drop of 9% in GDP poorest people, more than eight times that of the richest; and a net increase of 1.7 points in the Gini coefficient) and poverty. to 700,000 (up to 10.8 million, from 21.5% before COVID-19 in Spain would increase by than 15,000 euros between the two extremes. The between Spanish nationals difference than 15,000 euros between the two extremes. and foreigners i vulnerabilitat Migracions and overloading of women with domestic and care tasks), temporary employment (21.6%, employment of women with domestic tasks),and care temporary and overloading women of (17.8% wages low and being indefinite) signed contracts new of with only 12.9% and 7.8% of men with annual earnings and below contracts indefinite with population the between difference notable a is There month). the minimum income when it was €655/ The average people and migrants. which particularly affects young contracts, temporary gross annual salary among people under 25 is 10,809 euros. There is a difference of more European target 2020 75%). The long-term unemployment rate is also falling is (6.3% 2018) rate European target 75%). The long-term 2020 unemployment that of the EU (3.4%). but is almost double at work: precariousness and poverty to work-life balance hiring (large gap: gender 22.2% women vs. 7.3%; alternatives lack of still much higher than the pre-crisis levels of 2008 (6.5% in 2006), and is particularlyin 2006), and (6.5% 2008 of still higher than the pre-crisis much levels of 27.7% (16-24 rate twice as high as the general people, with a rate worrying among young old). years Graph 3. Evolution and foreseeable impact of the COVID-19 on relative poverty (in impact of the COVID-19 on relative and foreseeable 3. Evolution Graph % of the population) First approximations and forecasts on the impact of the COVID-19 and forecasts on the impact of approximations First Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 14 - Spanish population(Cinco Días,2020) Source: Graph 4.Estimated impactoftheCOVID-19onrelative poverty. In Catalonia,relative poverty wouldincreaseby 9.4%(93,688newpoorpeople). 721,557 workers asof1June). affectedinCatalonia(accumulateddata the beginning of the first state of alarm. increase)yeara than more 112,058 and and 126,233 destroyed+ 30.2%) ago, jobssince (a 3.28%inter-monthly April in than more (15,339 483,149 people rose to Catalonia 02/04/2020, three months( reflected not still is 31/03/2020) to because they areconsideredasemployed up islessthan as thesuspensionofactivity aslong 548,000 (almost furlough on people of impact ratea represents overof +0.2% increase an of 10.7%, theprevious quarter). 2020 in 14.4% to up Spain andanunemployment riseofupto20%( of GDP in fall a predicts OECD The Spain. for data specific without GDP The Eurostat data

The IMF forecasts that Spain will be the developedbe the will Spain that The IMFforecasts by countryhardesthit thepandemic. According to the most recent data bydata recent the most to According (General UGT Workers’ unemployment Union) in In Catalonia, according tothe according In Catalonia, Unemployment roseto417,000peopleonMarch,(+5.52%comparedFebruary; Unemployment of people under percentage 25 years of is32.2%, age according to World Bank , unemploymenthas risenby of411,600unemployed, 5,800people(atotal which COVID-19poverty,could push760,000 peopleinto whichwouldreachaquarterofthe Ara . 28/04/2020

predicts the worstrecessionsinceSecond Worldpredicts War, -12.8%of with and 03/04/2020, Ara ).

El PuntAvui Survey oftheWorkingPopulation (EPA) 1stQuarter The Temporary Layoffs total 97,757 companies and ). 10/06 El Periódico ).

The great

Proposals for a more social Europe - 15 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU social transformation towards improving people’s people’s towards improving social transformation

, welcomed the workshop on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministeron behalf of the , welcomed the workshop of Foreign citizens must be at the centre of policies and decisions that lead to 2021-2027 programme, in the social protection and inclusion areas, particularly with 2021-2027 programme, unemployment? regard to job insecurity and youth to tackle the social crisis and actions are planned at a What European level initiatives pandemic, which in the case of Catalonia has increased the COVID-19 by generated almost 9.5%? among citizens by rate the poverty What of communicationchannels and interlocution with the European Union can direct knowledge a very have Catalan that social they action organisations use, given and employment? of citizens’ needs, especially in the areas of the workshop: poverty in the new European Funds plan to develop What policies and instruments do you To convey the reality and priorities of the Catalan social action organisations to key the reality and priorities of the Catalan social action organisations to key convey To To provide inputs from Catalonia to the process of drawing up the Action Planthe for inputs from Catalonia the process of drawing to provide To To learn first-hand about theTo European initiatives and actions planned to answer to the To learn the policies and instruments in the social protection and inclusion area foreseen To

Alfonso González Bondía, Director General for European and Mediterranean Affairs of the for European andAlfonso Mediterranean González Bondía, Director General

social crisis that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. of the COVID-19 social crisis that has arisen as a result European Pillar of Social Rights. in the new 2021-2027 programme. European stakeholders in two major priority areas of action: employment and poverty. in two major priority areas of action: employment European stakeholders Catalan Government He organisers. and speakers the thanked and Solé, Bernat Transparency, and Relations Institutional objective: general presented the workshop’s quality of life and the interest of Catalan organisations in making their concerns and proposals (November Plan Europe the to referred He authorities. European competent the to known directly 2019), arguing that SUMMARY of interventions SUMMARY The following questions were asked to the speakers: questions were asked The following The workshop’s specific OBJECTIVES were: specific OBJECTIVES The workshop’s Employment. say to Europe? want to social action organisations do the Catalan What Annex 2. Objectives and summary 2. Objectives Annex and Poverty of the workshop Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 16 - the 2021-2027period.Current until2020: rule will that those with 2020 until place in are that instruments financing the compared also She half-termperiod. already beenmadetothememberstatesinfirst European are:minimum place in already theplan in guarantee,the renewedchild measures, gender equality income, etc.Recommendations have Someinitiatives plan. arecommended is It influence. years. whichwecanalso proposalforaplan, has apreliminary already The EuropeanCommission pillar on the ground. Therefore, all proposals made can influence the agenda political of the coming since January,public consultation an ongoing this torequestideas and toimplement commitments for employmentmeasures promotes issues. Shecommentedthatthereis it since social tool, and Commission. Directorate General forEmployment, SocialAffairs and InclusionattheEuropean floor over totheparticipants that, After 2021. elaboration for planned Rights, ofSocial European Pillar of the Plan Action and implementation ofourcountry on the when isworking the European at atimeCommission debate, to carryoutthis opportunity reality the share orto them, is thecaseofthisworkshop’sThis abroad. initiative, coincideinthe whereDiplocatandECAS between collaboration for spaces find to debates, scene international the on presence consortium whowishtohavethe of entities member the and society civil accompanies a diverse is consortium of Diplocat’s composition the andtransversal,that highlighted andthatit taxation a for need the for calling by ended He Europe. in present is very Network),therefore,it Network) andESN(EuropeanSocial Action (European Social much is the reason of proposing a session like this workshop. He stressed that ECAS is a member of ESAN That reality,executed organisations. this transformand official from to legislated live,the but from thatpeople thesituations closeness with communities; people andwith with working is: ECAS what defined He workshop. the of collaborators and ECAS of committee international the of work the precisely to develop and implement ideas, in alliance with other entities and agents. He also thanked is ECAS of element defining and differentiating A ECAS. with together event the co-organising for European joboffers,etc. his presented He an with advisory service, along newsletters, in Catalonia, agents to publicandprivate interest crisis. pandemic the tackle to European Fundsdepartment’s thatmayabout European opportunities which informs Unit, beof resources enough and solutions offer should dimension social EU’s the strengthen Spain and Malta, is in charge of.is incharge and Malta, Spain Shereferredtothe in funds European manages which department, her what explaining on focused contribution Her • • • • •

Xavier (ECAS) Organisations Action Social Catalan the of President Puig, Laura Foraster,General Secretary (Diplocat) CouncilofCatalonia Public Diplomacy the of YEI: Youth Employment, <30NEETs FAMI: Shortterm immigrants FEDER: Investment ininfrastructure FEAD: food ESF: investment inpeople,employment, inclusion social educationand Ana Carrero,Team Leader oftheEuropeanSocialFund forSpainandMalta inthe . Marta Cid, ECAS international member international Cid, ECAS Marta : . He also mentioned the new , whether to contribute to the main challenges and global andglobal challenges contribute tothemain to whether , , andmoderator ofthe workshop,turnedthe European Pillar of Social Rights ofSocial Pillar European Universal afairer Incomeand Basic 2021-2027 framework thanked Diplocat asabasic , which

Proposals for a more social Europe - 17 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU of feminisation This institution participating in public participating in public These are investments in These are investments there has to be a transition of economic there has to be a transition ) and are now even more vulnerable. The more vulnerable. ) and are now even invisible workers invisible to influence the final decisions, by the more people become involved in the public consultation, the higher the more people become involved it is up to us , in order not to leave anyone behind (member states, regions, vulnerable people). people). behind (member states, regions, vulnerable anyone , in order not to leave has increased the complexity of this situation, also highlighting the has increased the complexity . COVID-19 COVID-19 Crisis Response Investment Initiative: 100% liquidity co-financing and RRF: Recovery and resilience mechanisms (56 billion euros). Recovery RRF: REACT EU: Maintenance and creation of jobs, education and training, access to social EU: Maintenance and creation jobs, of education and training, REACT ESF Plus: Includes ESF-25%, FEAD-2%, YEI-15%, EaSI. Adding Children’s Guarantee 5% Guarantee ESF Plus: Includes ESF-25%, FEAD-2%, YEI-15%, EaSI. Children’s Adding Recovery plan and European funds. Recovery Social rights plan. INVEST EU: Guarantees for social and skills investments for social INVEST EU: Guarantees management Direct FAMI: social Europe. in a more invest FEDER: It will also EaSI: Smaller-scale projects for innovation and experimentation and projects for innovation EaSI: Smaller-scale Social investment plan (e.g. health workers and their demands for the non-impoverishment the non-impoverishment and their demands for health workers plan (e.g. Social investment Isabel Caño, Vice-President Economic of the European and Social Committee.

• • of this type of resource). • to prepare and send. • flexibility. • be allocated) services (55 billion euros more to • with but plana prior that each member state has to the European semester, reforms linked • (new). • • • • She also insisted that the impact. It Solidarity is key. level. European at she commented that the minimum income has to exist Finally, must be an obligation for states and for the EU and it has to determine the social Europe future of in order to get out of this situation. She commented on the existence of a new SURE fund to safeguard jobs, along with other measures She commented on the existence between the She also referred to the controversy been activated in each member country. that have She stressed that distribution of funds at European level. and social model important pillars: must include three very This transition and social economy, etc. Its objective is to promote decent employment withis rights, which employment is to promote decent objective etc. Its and social economy, been hardest hit fundamental essential and for inclusion. She also that have referred to sectors precarious in already were who Workers etc. as culture, pandemic such tourism, during the transport, been most affected ( situations have digital divide this divide, making it more urgent to defend a space in decision-making for women. action describing what the European Economic and Social Committee is. She began by professionals liberal unions, the world of disability, trade has 350 members: European employers, She insisted that consultations, influencing national plans, and participating in calls related to our areas of And new features appear post-COVID-19: Programmes that will rule the 2021-2027 period. Some of the financial lines are being reorganised: being are lines financial the of Some period. 2021-2027 the rule will that Programmes Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 18 - maintaining jobs,tocooperatives, programmes, toeconomicreactivation etc. some of which are veryorganisations, innovative. Supportisgiven to self-employed to people, The Governmentprogrammesoffers different ofCatalonia hiring tocompaniesand forboosting After (April2020): Before: placement committee. She Fundació Intermedia from it. levelsgreater are generated,of inequality ofthosewhosuffer consequent stigmatisation the with it of out povertycurrent line. the below well are Both complementary. only cumulative, not are benefits these However, level. a he we commented already income, that havein Catalonia With reference to theideaof a minimum rate inCataloniahasreached26%. (54%). nationals foreign non-EU among sharply in many people: poverty,and severe lowwork intensity The deprivation. percentage rises material The AROPE(19.20%). high rate thatgeneratethree factors (24.70%) has level ahigh of suffering Theratedifference betweenmen(18.40%)andwomen(24.10%). amongtheelderlyisalsovery was livinginpovertyCatalonia of population the 21.30% of that show the is Catalonia. in poverty of situation current the described He guaranteedincome citizen

Sonia Moragrega, Member of the ECAS Board of Directors and Director General Moragrega, Director Sonia and oftheECASBoardDirectors of Member Ferran Fundacióof ECASandDirector ofArrels Busquets,Member explained • • • • • • • • INSOCAT Unemployment amongyoung 32.20%. peopleunder25risesto 126,233 destroyed jobs. At statelevel,to 21.10% socialsecurityaffiliationfalls,unemployment rises Low (17.80%forwomen wageswithannualearningsbelowtheminimumincome There are21.6%oftemporary contracts, indefinite. andonly12.90%are womenand7.30%formen). The percentageofpart-timehiringis14.30(22.20%for There are12.20%ofpoorworkers (9.60%intheEU). There is11.5%unemployment was23.10%), (in2013it atthebeginningof2018 April lastyear, thereis30.20%moreunemployment. unemployment roseby 5.50%notincludingTemporary Layoffs. Comparedwith (not includingTemporary Layoffs), duringMarch, andhiringfalls.InCatalonia: and 7.80%formen). decreases (6.3%)butdoublesthatoftheEU. which isdoubleinyoung people(27.7%),thelong-termunemployment rate . The administration The guaranteedoes not to thepoverty solution a andtherefore situation, that her intervention provides data and reflections made in the ECAS social and work which analyses Catalonia’sanalyses which yearly.indicators social These benefits keeps its recepients in poverty and does not help them help not does and poverty in recepients its keeps benefits These Sheshowedsomedataonemployment, beforeandaftertheCOVID-19: , and as a result of the pandemic, the pandemic, of the result a as and , After these months of the pandemic, the poverty the pandemic, the months of these After An important sourceofinformation An important minimum life income minimum life The figures for 2014-2018 for figures The . There is a significant significant a is There . atastate Proposals for a more social Europe - 19 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU

European The social sector has become essentialbecome social work has The sector We must be alert to initiatives that may have an impact on the sector have that may must be alert to initiatives We : the effects of COVID-19 reach the social sector? the effects of COVID-19 by the social sector. That is, to ackwnoledge the social sector as a strategic and essential That is, to ackwnoledge the social sector as a strategic the social sector. by state. a pillar of the welfare sector, (a sector social the of work the of awareness public raise to help Commission the can How little appreciation)social and economic and highly feminised, low-wage sector with very and those being mobilised to mitigate how can it ensure that European funds in general Question 1: Josep Serrano. Member of the Board of DirectorsQuestion of The Confederation 1: Josep Serrano. and President of the Commission on the Elderly. He reflected on the need to increase the value of the support and care of people given work before lockdown. (permanent seasonal workers). work before lockdown. Regulation File situation. taking care of. were the people they Files are directly dismissed. Files are directly Working people in the field of leisure time or event organisation. event people in the field of leisure time or Working to import/export. people linked Working platforms. people from ‘false self-employment’ Working etc. people in art, cinema, theatres, museums, Working the minimum life income receiving People people, undocumented migrants. people, young unemployed Long-term Women caring for children with the husband in a Temporary Layoff-Employment Layoff-Employment caring for children with the husband in a Temporary Women met with of the death Home Care Aid, who have Staff from the special regime of the people in sport-related activities. Working Working people from SMEs in Temporary Layoffs and/or dismissed. and/or Layoffs people from SMEs in Temporary Working Regulation to Employment Layoffs from Temporary who move workers Temporary economy. people in the underground Working sector. people in the hotel and tourism Working who were without of the nature job market, temporary who are victims of the People Self-employed people who had to close their businesses. people who had Self-employed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The profiles of people who are coming to the social organisations are changing and their needs are increasing: European Commission (EC) to the needs part in discussions. There are funds linked of care and attention to people and take to be proposed from the Member State (regional and have but they of the European semester, national). In Catalonia, this is the SOC. A direct dialogue must be sought with the SOC. There will collaboration closer of idea the At European level, dialogue spaces for also be at national level. European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): as an interface It is necessary to detect organisationswhich serve invisible). (it was previously sector is represented in and the target groups. The social economy between the administration the Committee within the and Committeethere is an concerning these essentialinitiative workers. representatives: Debate After the interventions, different social action organisations posed five questions to the Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 20 - measures proposed.Europemustbesocial,nothave bedone. Muchremainsto measures. social EESC income, etc.Thesocialdimensionisvery strongandvery muchtaken account. into EC: our proposals. income, there is working in progress on a European minimum income and we can influence this with regardtotheuniversal With launched. sector) isbeing and third services (public social with basic We have beenmovingyears:recent the in forward protection, Europeanminimum social : Great efforts are being made at European level,European at made being are efforts Great : Member Statesmustalsobackthe but labour market thatguarantees decentemploymentincome conditions? and undertaketo desire political weenvisageCan economic orientation: and new social this a guaranteeTheyconditions? living of optimal would alsolike to know the EU’s and capacity employmentand of social andprovideensure recognition European citizens, as rights a likewould organisations social The extentwhat know to to should belongingtotheEU Poverty Committee) 2: Teresa Question ofthe and ofDirectors ECAS Board the of Member Crespo. Photo: FEMAREC Proposals for a more social Europe - 21 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU Ana Ollo, member of the ECAS International and , several issues were raised, of which the following were highlighted: issues were raised, , several : There are various unsuccessful proposals. We must take advantage of the must take : There are various unsuccessful proposals. We Question 4: Esteve Ferrer. Secretary of ENSIE, European Network of Social Migratory flows in Catalonia and the rest of Europe have been shaping new social realities social new shaping been have Europe of rest the and Catalonia in flows Migratory think all and new scenarios in the labour world. What commitments and consensus do you and tomorrow’s to today’s EU countries should acquire to respond in a coordinated way phenomenon, in the midst how to tackle this growing of the European debate on migratory of health, economic and social crisis caused context phenomenon, and in an unexpected the pandemic? by Question 5: Jesús Delgado Almendros. Member of the Board and Head of International Relations of the Bureau of the Third Sector. of disabled or disadvantaged persons”. Do you consider this resource to be particularlybe to this resource consider you Do disableddisadvantaged of or persons”. implementation the about think you do What exclusion? social against fight the in strategic in the Member States, particularly in the Kingdomof this directive of Spain? Integration Enterprises.) Integration Article 20 of Directive is the social occupationaland integration main whose objective operators “economic 2014/24/EU establishes reserving public procurement to Income, adapted to each Member State? How can we promoteto each Member State? How can we Income, adapted it? Question 3: Rosa Balaguer. Vice-President Vice-President and member of the ECAS Public Impact Question 3: Rosa Balaguer. Committee) Basic Universal European a for proposal the assess Commission European the does How : There is a lack of political will on the part of the Member States with regard to immigrants. : There is a lack of political will on the part of the Member States with regard to immigrants. : Yes, Article 20 provides for reserve support for contracts to social enterprises, but this very to social enterprises, but this very support for contracts for reserve Article 20 provides : Yes, : The issue of social enterprises in public procurement is a pity. The organisations could train The organisations could train : The issue of social enterprises in public is a pity. procurement : As Universal Basic Income there is no concrete proposal, but it: within can be suggested As this Universal initiatives for access to employment to approach these groups with more specific needs. for access to employment initiatives by During the debate with the public moderated Committee Social Innovation EESC With the climate crisis, there will be new needed. migratory flows. European, not national, policies are European Commission 2016, infringements were opened in several countries, Spain, but it including is not known what 2016, infringements were opened in several at the is also raised the real effect was. This issue, which also affects women to a greater extent, Disability Forum. EC plan is planned whichpublic managers. A social economic could be influenced. EESC this, each Member State because can decide whether or not to apply it. In same article contradicts EC public consultation. Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 22 - cover theperiod2021-2027.Thisprogramme main general hasthree objectives: launched two instruments in the health sector. The first is the new disability.a visual with caused bycrisis to thehealth regard With COVID-19, theEUhas recently EESC: Labour European the and (EU-OSHA) Work at Authority (ELA). Health and Safety for Agency European the of voiceits TheEESCalsosupportstheactivities is initiated. opinions whenEUlegislation through the voicewhich is role, EU rules.TheEESC’s at EUlevel,society civil oforganised to give isprimarily of theproperapplication monitor canonly Commission European the and authorities, national with of to European Unionrulesinseasonalworkersrelation for the proper application Responsibility lies doing onaday-to-day arenotgiven basis?Sometimestherightanswers tothequestionsraised. far, WhataretheEuropeaninstitutions be maintained. must European idea in the interest andthis improved,be changed, in MayThe Europeanelections etc. 2019saw so participation thehighest explainto is commitment ofits part represented, are fabric aspectsthatcan problems, andidentify EESC 2. 1. 3. products relevant tothecrisisand supportinnovation; tostrengthenhealthsystems andhealthworkforce. toensuretheavailability productsandother health andaffordabilityofmedicines, threats; health toprotecttheEUpopulationfromseriouscross-border : The Committee is an advisory institution, all the bodies representing Europe’sbodies the all institution, advisory an is The Committee : socio-economic The EU’s approach covers all people with disabilities, without specifically targeting those targeting specifically without disabilities, with people all covers approach EU’s The COVID-19. harvestand vegetables,fruit vulnerableparticularly are of andarenowthenewvictims whether they These workers,countries. eastern or theEU’s comefromAfrica hiredto the labour, and transport living of seasonalworkersof thousands conditions inCatalonia, EESC The COVID-19 workers of seasonal the problem crisis hasbrought to the forein and thepoliciesthatguideus.Itisdifficulttomake thistransfer. Europe exists,because explainto work European notesbehindthedaily are there that wayis toshareinaneducational the entities, with part ofthoseactionsispossible what Commission European of Europeaninstitutions? of mistrust time ata highlighted Union be European the of role social the How could largely dependent on touch. What specific measures is the EU taking to assist EUtaking the visual is with people withvisualimpairment? measures specific people What for touch. on difficult dependent largely very life making is impairment, inparticularthepreventive taken, measures asthesepeople are crisis health current The : The current pandemic has given: Thecurrentpandemic to relating to themajorproblems visibility greater . Why isthisissuenotaddressedingoodtimes? : Akey theservicesandprojects when implementing element, EU Health ProgrammeEU , whichwill Proposals for a more social Europe - 23 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU These are actions needed to improve preparation, such as diagnostic preparation, These are actions to improve needed actions also include measures to support minorities and vulnerable people. The Communication actions also include measures to support minorities and vulnerable specifically mentions the importance for disabled people to receive adequate personal protective equipment. The second instrument is a series of short-term measures to strengthen the Union’s health readiness The second instrument is a series of short-term measures to strengthen the Union’s outbreaks. for COVID-19 to medical access and extended public health surveillance improved testing and contact tracing, These equipment, medical devices. medicines or countermeasures personal such as protective Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 24 - Annex 3.Programme

POVERTY AND EMPLOYMENT What do Catalan social action organisations want to say to Europe Wednesday

Following the most recent European elections in June 2019 and with the new European Commission in place, the PROGRAMME social action organisations are keen to bring their priorities and concerns to the attention of EU players who are working on social issues to influence them and show what the situation is like in Catalonia. While most social rights instruments are handled by member states, European Union institutions can help to lay down guidelines and recommendations social exclusion As part of drawing up and implementing its European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, the European Commission is welcoming input from state, regional, local and European institutions and civil society organisations in order to prepare this Action Plan w the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Gothenburg Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in 2017.

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Proposals for a more social Europe - 25 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU Head of the Office of the ISABEL CAÑO ISABEL FERRAN BUSQUETS FERRAN Community 2015-2018. Member of the Permanent Digital Agenda Group Community 2015-2018. Member of the Permanent since its creation. Member of EESC delegations to the Climate Conferences and Bonn COPs). Member of Marrakesh Lima, Paris, 2013-2018 (Warsaw, Forum) Policy the EESC delegations to the United Nations HLPF (High Level United Nations, 2016 and 2017. Member of on Sustainable Development. the TEN Section Bureau 2010-2018. Vice-PresidentSustainable the of Observatory 2013-2018. EESC Vice-President responsible Development for Communication since 2018. > AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC Union). Workers’ Member of the UGT (General Secretariat for of the UGT’s Confederal UGT in Brussels and a collaborator union since 1993. Monitoring of European and trade International Policy union and social organisations. relations with other trade Bilateral policy. Alternate of the EESC member (European Economic and Social Committee) member of the EESC since 21 September 2010 in the TEN (1997-2010). Full Environment, Development, in issues such as Rural sections. Active and NAT Sustainable Development, Education, Training, Energy, Public study group on the European Energy Permanent Health Information Society. and Science and a postgraduate degree in Social Mediation and has worked degree in Social Mediation and has worked Science and a postgraduate in private companies the database in professionally for more than ten years field. At the same time,and without interruption, he has been avolunteer in the prisons and southern countries fields, offering technological support to Arrels has been a member of ECAS since 2004 and is organisations. Fundació 2009. part of the Board of Directors since > ARRELS DIRECTOR OF FUNDACIÓ Arrels and Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Fundació Mambré, he is also a of the Ethics Member of Fundació Board of Trustees Committee of the Social Services finance, of administration, Catalonia. in He responsibilities with was Arrels previously at Management Head Internal of human resources and information systems. He has been a volunteer in the organisation’s street team and open centre. He has a degree in Computer

Annex 4. Participants Annex Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 26 - > Parliament. SheisSecretary General 2018. ofDiplocatsince17December Governmentof the and theEuropean Union European the to of Catalonia theDelegation of theRegions, the Committee the EuropeanCommission, she worked tothis, Prior Catalonia. out varioustasksin carrying Brussels, in Innovation, (2006-2010) oftheGovernmentEnterprise and of Trade,Tourism of of theMinister and (2003-2006) Affairs Consumer and and, previously, of Diplocat of oftheMinister of Cabinet she wastheChief Missions. Observation Election in and Diplomacy Public in education specific has also She Leuven. de CatalunyaOberta attheKU and an MAinEuropeanStudies (UOC) Universitat the at Humanities in degree a (UPF), Fabra Pompeu Universitat AdministrationBusiness and Economics in degree a holds She atthe SECRETARY GENERALOFDIPLOCAT > all the to provide commitment guarantees ofquality, firm legalityandregularityintheirexecution. a and level, European and national at support thesesystems,both and proceduresthat regulations of thepolicies, and ESF, employment policies. inclusion and social the particular in funds, structural EU sector, public the in finance and economics of field the extensiveexperiencein has Carrero Ana Finance, of Spanish Ministry the and of Auditors the European Court Commission, such astheEuropean institutions public in forged career professional a With most disadvantaged. Fund,the Youth Employment Initiative European Fundthe and tohelpthe effectiveensuring programming of theEuropeanSocial and implementation of theEuropeanSemester,in accordancewiththereformagenda aswell and administrativecapacity cohesion, institutional social reforms inSpain, marketlabour ofeconomicand principles systems, protection andsocial of the modernisation for promoting responsible unit the in Commission, leader intheDGEmployment,and Inclusion at Affairs the European Social Fundsince 2011.SheiscurrentlytheEuropeanSocial team Spain and Malta servant European civil been a also has since 2007and of Spain Auditors Governmentof theSenior in 2004.Shehasbeenamember III ofMadrid She hasaDegreeinLaw andBusinessAdministrationfrom Universidad Carlos AFFAIRS ANDINCLUSIONAT THEEUROPEANCOMMISSION HEAD OF THE SPANISH TEAM IN THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL ANA CARRERO LAURA FORASTER From 2012to2018,shewastheExecutive Director Toshe adds this a deep knowledge Proposals for a more social Europe - 27 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU He is currently XAVIER PUIG XAVIER SONIA MORAGREGA SONIA responsibilities, he is member of the Board of Directors of FEDAIA, the responsibilities, he is memberthe Board of Directors of of FEDAIA, association AEISC and the Spanish association AEEISSS, Catalan employers’ networks. economy EAPN-Spain and European social He was President of the Catalan Third Social Sector Confederation Business from its creation until the last management team reshuffle. the Association Board of Socialof of Educators the Governing a member of Council. CEPS has been a member Catalonia President and of its General of ECAS and of the Board of Directors since its creation, holding its vice- presidency in different mandates. the Operations Director and Director General for the last 2 years. Fundació Fundació for the last 2 years. Director Director and General the Operations Intermedia is a member of Directors of the Board of ECAS and is part of the Placement Committee since its creation. ECAS Work > PRESIDENT OF ECAS and Diploma in Non- Diploma in Teaching Social Educator, Organisation Management from ESADE. Director of the Governmental to different social platforms with different CEPS Association. Linked DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FUNDACIÓ INTERMEDIA OF FUNDACIÓ DIRECTOR GENERAL de Barcelona. from the Universitat Pedagogy She has a Degree in Therapeutic from the Universitat degree in Labour Integration She has a Postgraduate from the and in Citizenship and Immigration de Catalunya Politècnica gender models, competence in training specific has She Girona. de Universitat 20 years and leadership of organisations and teams. perspective has over She accompanimentand of people at in employment of professional experience privateand in the sector. both for the public administration exclusion risk of where her last position SURT at the Fundació 2003 to 2015 she worked From Intermedia by In 2012, with creation the of Fundació Director. was Technical as she became part of this Foundation, Cooperativa, Ires and Suara SURT, > Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 28 - > del SiógroupandtheTeatredetics Company (2000-2008). JovenívolaCobla of theCaramellairedirector music and (1987-2007), Aires playedalso basketballand founderofAgramunt’swas amember (1989-2004), He (1999-2001). leader Scouts a as and (1984-2004) Scouts Agramunt’s of has beeninvolvedSolé Bernat the 80s,asamember since associations civil in of theCatalanCommissionUrbanism. member a been also has He 2019. and 2015 in twice, re-elected was he and the Town council of Agramuntsince 2007.In 2011, he was elected Mayor, for ERC’sSolé has been a member politics, of group. Onlocal parliamentary and spokespersonAffairs, and Institutional ofEducation forthecommission Parliamentof Labour,commission of Agriculture of thecommissions member (TogetherSí” for Yes) in 2015.From thenon,he has beenpresident on the he ran “Juntspel list society civil and cross-party on the for theelections of ERC in 2005,andhe was electedMPfor the region Urgell of when Lleida board local the in secretary communication as career political his began He Transparency. for ForeignMinister as Catalan appointed and Relations Institutional Action, Mayorthe he was and of Agramunttown ofthe he was until (Urgell) CatalunyaLeft)(Republican been deputyspokesperson,he has which from of theParliamentEsquerraparty political for the of Catalonia de Republicana own asanengineer, andasahighschoolteacher. Currently, he is amember career,his professional During hehasworked intheprivatesector andonhis Universitat Politècnicade Catalunya BarcelonaTech the teacher. school high a he is and (UPC) from Engineering Industrial in degree bachelor a holds He GOVERNMENT OFCATALONIA MINISTER FORFOREIGNACTION, INSTITUTIONALRELATIONS AND TRANSPARENCY OFTHE BERNAT SOLÉ Proposals for a more social Europe - 29 - Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU DIPLOCAT (UAB) Catalonia (UVic-UCC) (IBEI) (Barcelona GSE) Sector of Catalonia (UGT) - Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) University - Technical (UPF) University Fabra - Pompeu of Lleida (UdL) - (UdG) - University (URV) i Virgili University - Rovira (URL) - Ramon Llull University of Catalonia (UOC) - Open University of University of Vic - Central - University of Catalonia (UIC) - International University CEU) (UAO - Abat Oliba CEU University - Barcelona Institute of International Studies Business School - EADA School of Economics - Barcelona Graduate sports sector of the Voluntary - The Group of Entities de Treballadors union Unió General - Trade union Comissions Obreres (CCOO) - Trade Barcelona Club - Football academic institutions of Barcelona (UB) - - Autonomous University Entities of the social, trade union and social, trade Entities of the and Universities, business schools >> >> (FemCAT) Treball Nacional Treball Sized Enterprises of Catalonia (PIMEC) Catalonia of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of of Commerce, Industry and Navigation Catalonia Counties - Private Foundation of Entrepreneurs - Private Foundation - Association of Micro-, Small and Medium- - Association of Micro-, of of Cooperatives - Confederation - Multi-Sector Business Association (AMEC) - General Council of the Official Chambers - General del - Entrepreneurs association Foment - Lleida Provincial Council - Lleida Provincial d’Aran - Conselh Generau and - Catalan Association of Municipalities of Municipalities of Catalonia - Federation - Girona City Council - Lleida City Council Council Town - Vielha e Mijaran Council - Barcelona Provincial Council Provincial - Tarragona Council - Girona Provincial entities of Catalonia - Government - Barcelona City Council City Council - Tarragona Entities of the business sector Public institutions and municipal Public institutions >> >> The member entities of entities The member Proposals for a more social Europe Inputs from Catalan social action organisations to the EU - 30 - of Catalonia Public Diplomacy Council