social-inclusionYesterday, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) issued an opinion on the effectiveness and future of the European Social Fund (ESF) and of the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD). This opinion insists on the essential role played by civil society organisations in addressing poverty and social exclusion in Europe. Throughout the report it underlines the necessity for capacity building and involvement of civil society organisation in the implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the ESF and FEAD funds. Interestingly enough, the EESC opinion proposes the creation of an ad hoc group composed of EESC members and relevant European level civil society platforms to contribute to better coordination of ESF and FEAD interventions and to discuss the basic principles of a possible future integrated EU fund aimed at combating poverty and social exclusion.

To learn more about the EESC opinion, visit the publication on funding effectiveness which is available in several languages.

It would be very interesting for Eurodiaconia to know how this opinion reflects the reality of experiences within its network. Please send your comments to our Policy Assistant, Anne-Sophie at Anne-sophie.wislocki@eurodiaconia.org.