Eurodiacondia Statement on La Hulpe Declaration
Eurodiaconia welcomes the La Hulpe Declaration, as endorsed by our Secretary-General in her role as Acting President of the Social Platform. Eurodiaconia now calls for a firm embedding of social ambition in the upcoming mandates of both the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Of particular importance to Eurodiaconia is the incorporation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the acknowledgment of the indispensable role of a robust welfare state. We welcome the declaration’s emphasis on advancing the implementation of the Pillar, stressing its importance for the European Union, Member States, and candidate countries alike. Furthermore, we support the recognition of the vital role of services, including social services and essential services, in fostering social and territorial cohesion and sustainable competitiveness. The acknowledgment of civil society’s contribution in combating social and economic exclusion and supporting underrepresented and vulnerable groups is a strong recognition of the essential role of our members and their partners across Europe. The declaration’s commitments to eradicating homelessness, supporting families, and combating poverty are equally commendable and align with Eurodiaconia’s objectives for a fairer society.
However, while we view this text as a solid foundation, its effectiveness ultimately hinges on implementation and coherence with other EU policy instruments, notably economic governance. We express concern over recent decisions regarding the reform of the EU’s economic rules and austerity measures.
In light of the substantial investment required to achieve environmental objectives and decarbonize the economy, alongside the ambitious social goals outlined in the declaration, the pressing question remains: how will the necessary financing be secured?
In summary, while we applaud the La Hulpe Declaration as a promising step forward, its true impact will be determined by the tangible actions taken to realize its vision and ensure alignment with broader EU policies, especially in the realm of economic governance and financing.