Happy New Year!

Perhaps the Christmas and New Year break seems a long way away now but I hope that it was a revitalising time.

We will need our energy this year.  Europe continues to face challenges that affect the social wellbeing of Europeans and those who come to Europe looking for refuge.  Next week over 25 of our members will gather in Brussels to share their experience of working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and start to shape the future work of Eurodiaconia in this critical field.

The European Commission has just started the process of developing a so called ‘pillar of social rights’ that should promote social fairness and upward social convergence yet there is little evidence of a move away from the thinking of ‘economy first’.   Being active in this discussion and putting forward our members understanding of a social agenda for Europe will be a key priority.

But also this year is one where energy is needed for celebrations. Eurodiaconia is 20 years young in 2016 and there will be opportunities across the year to reflect on the journey of those first 20 years and look towards the next 20 years.  Over the last 20 years we have seen many positive developments in technology, science, organisations and politics – but have we really seen positive developments when it comes to poverty, exclusion and our social systems in general?  Are people valued more than what they can produce and do we ensure that everyone can live in dignity and with appropriate care and social services?

As we reflect on our past and look to the future we will need our energy to build even more effective advocacy strategies, build a greater understanding and support for high quality, accessible, affordable and holistic social services and ensure that our identity and values as diaconal organisations can be seen in the work we do.  Perhaps a big project, but I believe we have the energy, experience, commitment and motivations to do so in 2016.

Have a good weekend,
Heather Roy
Secretary General Eurodiaconia