Communiqué, issue 6, 2003
Articles
- 2004 programme presents challenges and opportunities
- Spotlight on social policy for Irish EU Presidency
- Local partnerships can boost social inclusion
- Reaping the gains of industrial change
- Use of IT in publishing and media
- Cross-border coordination in the EU motor sector
- Better employment prospects for ill, disabled
- Web user survey results
- New working conditions observatory takes shape
Previous issues of Communiqué
The role of civil society in forging partnerships at local level is gaining strength in combating social exclusion across Europe, according to the most recent Foundation paper published in December, Social inclusion: Local partnerships with civil society. There is ongoing debate at European and national level on the role of non-governmental organisation and civil society at large. The draft treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe specifically refers to how participative democracy can be strengthened through stronger dialogue with civil society.
As the European Union moves towards enlargement to 10 new countries in May 2004, the experience of current Member States in exploiting the benefits of local partnerships to ensure greater social inclusion will prove significant.
The Foundation paper outlines the strategic and practical importance of civil society in supporting social inclusion and looks at the role of partnerships at local and regional level. Drawing on a wide range of Foundation research in this domain, it suggests guidelines to assist policymakers in strengthening the role of civil society in an enlarged EU.