An efficient social policy is based on solidarity and the protection of human rights. Social assistance is necessary where people are not able to meet their basic needs by their own efforts. Public responsibility and solidarity-based financing for modern and effective social and healthcare services are particular features of the European social model.
The purpose of this hearing is to set out principles for public responsibility for effective and reliable welfare provision systems in Europe. The hearing will look at the political and legal conditions needed at EU level in order to maintain and develop effective social benefit systems. It will, in particular, look into - the role of the European Union,
- the roles of the state, the local authorities and the service providers;
- the groups of users;
- the relationship between money transfer and service provision; and
- the accessibility and quality of services.
Invited to discuss these topics are the European Commission, the Social Protection Committee, the European social partners, representatives of welfare and social organisations and researchers. |