Foreword. Dear Friends,

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3 Foreword Anne Sophie Parent President Simon Wilson Director Dear Friends, For the Social Platform, two issues dominated the political agenda in 2003: the drafting of an EU Constitution, and the continued struggle to achieve the Lisbon goals combining a strong economy with social cohesion. Both projects remain incomplete. A draft Constitution was adopted by the European Convention, but the Inter-Governmental Conference which followed was unable to reach agreement on the text. And whilst many fine words were spoken about the Lisbon process by politicians, progress on the ground has, in the experience of social NGOs, remained limited, and sometimes nonexistent. These two issues may seem very different one is about creating a reformed legal framework for the Union, the other about kick-starting the European economy and ensuring that its wealth is used to ensure greater social cohesion. But in our eyes, there are at least two clear links between these sofar incomplete processes. A strong EU Constitution, based upon fundamental rights and social values would give impetus to the Lisbon process, ensuring that reforms were undertaken with the goal of reinforcing the European social model, and providing the EU with the necessary tools to achieve social progress. The second link is that both processes are often seen as disconnected from the lives of European citizens. The democratic deficit the gap between Brussels and the citizen remains an important issue, and for this reason, the proposals to include participatory democracy as a key principle within the Constitution are particularly important. The Social Platform is committed to bringing voices from Civil Society into the European political arena. Our core demands remain clear the creation of a Europe based on social justice and fundamental rights. But we recognise that in order to change the lives of Europeans, we must also change the way that politics is done. A European Union committed to involving Civil Society through the principle of participatory democracy would, we believe, not only make the process of Europe more relevant to Europeans, but would also make the decisions taken more effective, and thus more likely to realise the social changes that the EU committed itself to achieving at the Lisbon Summit in The Social Platform s activities report for 2003 outlines our work in both of these areas; trying to support our members in developing a more social Europe, as well as working to achieve forms of governance for the EU which are more transparent and participatory. The report explains how we work and are structured, the issues on which we campaign (including both the Lisbon process and the Future of Europe debate), and also we hope gives a clear view of the values and contribution of social NGOs to European society. Best wishes, Anne Sophie Parent President Simon Wilson Director

4 Table of Contents PAGE Introduction Social Platform Working Methods And Structures Social Platform Objectives DEVELOPING DIALOGUE Strengthening Links between NGOs and EU Institutions Dialogue with Other NGO sectors, social partners and the Council of Europe RAISING AWARENESS A heightened profile for the Social Platform Raising awareness at national level BUILDING CAPACITY Exchange of experiences and information between Platform members and sharing of resources Building capacity of EU NGOs to engage with NGOs in the future Member States of the EU INFLUENCING POLICY The Lisbon Strategy and the Spring Summit The Social Policy Agenda Migration and Integration Services of General Interest and Social Services Spin or substance on Corporate Social Responsbaility Public Procurement Sustainable Development an integrated approach The Future of Europe Act4europe campaign: building alliances across Civil Society MAY The new European Union: A social challenge for Civil Society Annexes Our Documents Our Members Our Structures Our Funding

5 Introduction The Social Platform : Channelling voices, building solidarity The Platform of European Social NGOs (the Social Platform) is the alliance of representative European federations and networks of non-governmental organisations active in the social sector. The Social Platform was established in 1995 to promote social justice and participatory democracy by voicing the concerns of its member organisations. Member organisations include those campaigning for women, older people, people with disabilities, people who are unemployed, people affected by poverty, gays and lesbians, transsexuals, young people, children and families, as well as those working on issues such as social justice, life-long learning, public health, housing and racism. Together they embody thousands of direct member organisations, associations and voluntary bodies working at the local, regional and national level, and through them the Social Platform has a presence in all European Union countries. The Social Platform s main objective is to build a Europe for all by advocating social inclusion and social justice, and fighting against all forms of discrimination. It does this by channelling the concerns of European citizens who have come together in these organisations on issues of common interest. Members of the Platform insist that NGOs have a key role to play in promoting an equitable society based on the protection and advancement of human rights and the participation of all. NGOs must become legitimate partners in the public debate on the orientation of European society. It is with this in mind that the Social Platform seeks to develop and strengthen civil dialogue between European NGOs and institutions of the European Union. The Social Platform is an independent and democratic alliance. It is committed to operating on the principles of transparency, representativity, democracy and equality 5

6 Social Platform Individuals Working Methods and Structures Regional and Local NGOs working in the social field National NGOs working in the social field Platform Members European NGOs working in the social field Developing common positions and campaigns European Council Strengthening relations between members Social Platform Providing interface between the Social NGOs and the EU Institutions European Commission Disseminating information on EU policies and activities Dialogue with other groups working on issues of common interest European NGOs from other sectors & ETUC The Social Platform s work seeks to bring added value to the activities of its members. The Platform advocates its ideas by developing common positions and advocating these to European Institutions and other policy decision-making bodies through position papers, campaigns, press and media promotion, participation in conferences and seminars, and regular meetings with institutional representatives and other relevant actors. Political positions and campaigns are usually developed by its Working Groups open to all members, which each meet around five times a year and are organized around the different core campaigns of the Platform. The specialised Working Groups identify and propose areas of work, and determine the direction and timing of any action. They draft policy papers with the support of the Secretariat, and are responsible for ensuring that members positions are adequately represented. Working Groups are also able to set up sub-groups, or working parties, to carry out work in particular areas. In addition, ad hoc meetings of members on particular issues are also arranged from time to time, and Working Groups can delegate smaller drafting groups to work with the Secretariat in preparing early drafts of common positions. Regular preparatory meetings with members are also held ahead of important events, to channel the members views and ensure that all members are given a voice. European Parliament 6

7 Social Platform Working Methods and Structures Policy positions are agreed by members in the Steering Group after a full consultation process has been undertaken. Steering Group meetings to which all members are invited - take place around four times a year and also give members the opportunity to talk to each other about work in progress. The Steering Group also reviews the Platform s progress in executing its work programme. The Social Platform s General Assembly, which meets once a year, is the Platform s sovereign body. It is where constitutional decisions are taken by all members, and where elections for the Platform s Management Committee, including the Social Platform President and other officers, are held. The Social Platform Secretariat, overseen by the Director, executes the annual work programme and works to support and inform the members. A central role of the Social Platform is to act as a vehicle or facilitator for its members to come together and exchange information and best practices in their areas of concern. It does this through the various meeting structures noted above, which allow members to draw upon their expertise and experience to contribute to the development of shared strategies and policies, and also by keeping them informed and up to date about Social Platform and EU activities. A weekly information service for members also promotes the exchange of information about the activities of members and important EU developments How the Platform is run by its Members General Assembly Platform s sovereign body. The General Assembly takes constitutional decisions and elects the Management Committee. Management Committee The Management Committee is in charge of the management of the organisation. Secretariat The Secretariat executes the annual work programme. It supports and informs the members. Steering Group The Steering Group reviews the Platform s progress and agrees the position developed in the Working Group. Working Groups Working Groups develop Platform political positions & campaigns. Sub-groups & Working parties 7

8 Social Platform objectives Developing dialogue Strengthening Links between NGOs and EU Institutions 8 A major part of the Social Platform s work involves developing on-going dialogue with EU Institutions. These include the European Commission, Parliament and Council. Informal day-long meetings are held with the European Commission twice a year. These bi-annual meetings promote the exchange of ideas and information between NGOs and the European Commission. Between these bi-annual meetings, meetings are regularly held on more specific policy areas, allowing the Social Platform to facilitate access for the Commission to the expertise and grass-roots experience of social NGOs. In June 2003, the Social Platform collaborated with the European Commission in the organisation of a conference on Civil Dialogue and Social Policy in an Enlarged European Union, which took place in Budapest. The conference provided an opportunity for exchanges between NGOs from acceding countries, European NGO networks, and EU officials on the development of EU policy. The focus of Platform members activities ensures a strong engagement with the Commission s DG Employment and Social Affairs, but in addition the Social Platform regularly enters into dialogue with other parts of the Commission such as DGs Secretariat-General, Enterprise, and Enlargement on issues of concern to social NGOs. Social Platform representatives also meet with the coordinators of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee on two occasions per year, in order to build strong relations with the European Parliament. Social Platform representatives are present during numerous hearings organised by the European Parliament and regularly meet with MEPs, on issues as wide ranging as social exclusion, anti-discrimination and corporate social responsibility. In this way the Platform stays in contact with the latest policy developments and in turn informs MEPs of its actions and views. It also regularly sends information on the concerns of social NGOs to MEPs, and invites them to speak at Platform events. The Social Platform ensures strong contacts between social NGOs and the European Council by establishing relations with each Presidency of the EU, which rotates every six months. In 2003 the EU Presidency was held by the Greek, and the Italian governments. During 2003, the Social Platform took part in the Troika meetings which preceded Informal Social Affairs Council meetings organised by both the Greek Presidency (in Napflion on 24 January 2003), and by the Italian Presidency (in Varese, 10 July 2003). These meetings provided high-level contacts between NGOs involved in the fight against poverty and discrimination, and national Ministers charged with developing policies in the same areas. At Napflion, issues discussed included social exclusion, lifelong learning, and non-discrimination. At the Varese Troika meeting the discussion was focused around the streamlining of social protection and other issues. The Social Platform prepared for its involvement in these high-level exchanges by holding preparatory meetings, open to all members, to discuss the content of the Social Platform s input into the Council s work. At the start of both the six-month Greek and Italian Presidencies in 2003, the Social Platform issued memoranda setting out the concerns of social NGOs and their priorities for the following six months for EU level action to support a social Europe. These memoranda were adopted by the Steering Group of the Social Platform, following consultation with all members. In addition to its work with the EU Presidencies, the Social Platform continues to hold meetings with social attaches from Permanent Representations in Brussels in order to strengthen its relations with the Council and to disseminate information about its work and concerns to the permanent representations and to national governments. The Platform also continued to meet with the European Economic and Social Committee (ESC) over the course of 2003, participating in particular in information meetings on the Convention on the Future of the EU

9 NGOs have been organising themselves into representative structures for some time and organised Civil Society is far from the image of an amorphous mass the media and others sometimes portray. As part of its endeavour to give Civil Society a stronger voice in the EU policy process, the Platform has, throughout 2003, greatly deepened its links with other Civil Society organisations Social Platform objectives Developing dialogue Dialogue with other NGO sectors, social partners and the Council of Europe in order to work on issues of common interest. In particular, the Social Platform continued its strong commitment to cross-sectoral NGO dialogue through the work of the Civil Society Contact Group (CSCG). The CSCG brings together the four large NGO sectors environment (Green 8), social (Social Platform), development (CONCORD), human rights (European Human Rights and Democracy Network) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). The Contact Group opened its own office with a coordinator and a policy assistant during 2003, hosted at the Social Platform and funded by the Open Society Institute and the Mott Foundation, and, thus, increased its capacity to run the act4europe campaign which was its main focus in The work centred on the debate around the future Constitution, including monitoring the Convention and IGC process, facilitating joint assessments of the 4 NGO sectors, executing joint lobby and campaign actions, as well as meetings and conferences. The campaign is described in more detail below, in the section on the Future of Euopre. > > > VISION STATEMENT OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY CONTACT GROUP DURING THE DEBATE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE The Civil Society Contact Group brings together four large NGO sectors environment, social, human rights, development and the European Trade Union Confederation. Jointly we aim to make the views and interests of Civil Society heard within the process of shaping Europe s future framework. In particular we aim to ensure that the European Union delivers on the promises made at Laeken in It must bring the activities and the mission of the European Union closer to the people, guarantee that the institutions of the EU function in a transparent, effective and efficient way with a larger membership, and develop the role of Europe in the world as a positive and stabilizing force. In the process of drafting a constitution of the people of Europe we want to ensure that : This Constitution respects and reflects the diversity and the views of all people living in Europe. The new institutional framework of the European Union is truly effective, democratic and participatory, transparent and accessible. The Constitution strengthens the fundamental values of Europe, so that the European Union is an advocate for and guarantor of peace, solidarity, justice and equality for all, equality between women and men, sustainable development, protection and improvement of the environment to ensure a high quality of life for present and future generations, eradication of poverty and observance of human rights within the EU and globally. To achieve this mission the Civil Society Contact Group has launched the act4europe campaign in order to directly involve the hundreds of thousands of people in Europe who are active in Civil Society organisations in shaping Europe s future. The act4europe campaign seeks to establish a working alliance throughout a European Union of 25 member states that will help to establish and maintain lasting access to information, public participation in decision making (participatory democracy), a more democratic structure (co-decision and qualified majority voting) and access to justice in matters of concern to Civil Society. 9

10 Social Platform objectives Developing dialogue Dialogue with other NGO sectors, social partners and the Council of Europe > > > Representatives from the Social Platform were present at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Congress in Prague, May, in order to develop relations with the new Secretary-General of the ETUC, John Monks, to raise the profile of NGO groupings amongst the delegates, and to promote the Social Europe is a Must campaign. Throughout the year, the Platform developed relations with employers organisations principally UNICE and CSR Europe, through its work within the EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility. This work provided the most indepth working relations so far established between the Social Platform and business interests, and demonstrated the Platform s commitment to using CSR to advance social objectives. Relations were also developed with other NGOs and foundations in The Social Platform participated in two round-table meetings organised by the Migration Policy Group, bringing together social partners, foundations, think-tanks, and business groupings with NGOs for informal discussions on migration policy. Several meetings were also held to strengthen understanding between foundations and NGOs. The Council of Europe continues to play an important role in promoting respect for fundamental rights and democracy, and the Social Platform recognises the need to identify ways in which NGOs, the European Union, and the Council of Europe can work together to promote these values. During 2003, the Social Platform held a study visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The visit took place from 9-11 July, and involved several Platform members meeting with officials from the Council of Europe (and NGOs accredited to the Council) to discuss issues including the revised Social Charter, the Council s work on social exclusion, enlargement, and other issues, the impact of the European Convention s proposals upon the applicability of the ECHR upon the EU, and prospects for future collaboration between the Council and the Social Platform 10

11 Social Platform objectives Raising Awareness A heightened profile for the Social Platform One of the Social Platform s roles is to develop the profile of social NGOs as key EU-level stakeholders. It does this through a strong information strategy. The Social Platform s web-site has developed into an essential tool for the promotion and dissemination of information about the Platform s activities. It now contains over 300 pages of information, making a key resource for those interested in social policies, and the role of social NGOs, and receives around page views per month. Information on the site includes all Social Platform position papers, briefing papers, contribu- tions to the Convention, press releases, Social Voices, detailed information about each Platform members (with links to their members), a calendar of events of the Platform and its members, key organisational information (work programmes, annual reports), speeches made by Social Platform representatives, information for press, as well as links to other resources such as the European Commission s web-site, and that of the European Convention. The members only section of the site also contains information and documents in relation to Working Group meetings, Steering Group and Management Committee meetings, as well as copies of the Weekly Mailing. The Campaigns section of the site contains details of the Platform s most recent campaigning activities, and developments in EU social policy. The Platform also publishes its quarterly newsletter Social Voices. This publication, launched in 2002, has a growing circulation, and is circulated both electronically and in printed form (in English and French). It is sent to all MEPs, as well as key Commission and Council decision-makers. It includes news of the activities and concerns of social NGOs, as well as articles of interest on specific EU policies, interviews with key EU actors, debates between members on topical issues, and briefings on the policy-making process. As an internal communication tool, the Social Platform continues to publish the weekly mailing, which is distributed electronically to all its members, and contains information on Platform activities, and key EU developments. This weekly document provides a huge amount of information which Platform members are encouraged to use within their own networks as appropriate. The mailing is a useful resource for NGOs at European and national level to build solidarity around our common values, to increase knowledge, and to exchange information on activities 11

12 Social Platform objectives Raising awareness Raising awareness at national level The Platform s campaigning at national level has focused upon the European Convention, with actions targeted at national NGOs on social Europe, participatory democracy, and the EU Charter. The Social Platform has also continued to raise awareness at national level through participation in conferences. In particular on 2003 the Platform organised national conferences in Ireland and Italy to link the national and European levels. The Social Platform held a national conference in Ireland on 1 October, in order to promote links between Irish and EU social NGOs, as well as to discuss the forthcoming Irish Presidency and social policies. At least 50 NGO representatives from both Irish and European levels participated in the conference. The aim of the conference, which was organised in partnership with EAPN Ireland, was to bring together social NGOs to exchange knowledge and experience, and discuss priorities and strategies in the run-up to the Irish Presidency. On 7 November, the Platform held a national conference with Italian social NGOs in Rome (pictured above). This event was to promote links between Italian and European NGOs, and to discuss promoting a social agenda during the Italian Presidency. Over 160 people participated in the event, entitled Towards a Europe for all to discuss the future of Europe. Participants adopted a resolu- tion setting out the demands of social NGOs towards the Intergovernmental Conference, which was then transmitted to the Heads of Government and the EU Institutions. Speakers at the conference included Italian and European NGOs, representatives of the Italian government, Commission, and local authorities CONCLUDING CONFERENCE RESOLUTION TOWARDS A EUROPE FOR ALL NGOS PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A NEW EUROPE ROME, NOVEMBER 7, 2003 Italian NGOs and other representatives of Civil Society present during the Conference Towards a Europe for all have agreed on the following conclusions to be presented to the Italian Presidency of the European Union. Civil society organisations and representatives urge heads of State and Government to : 1) Ensure transparency within the Intergovernmental Conference so that citizens and Civil Society can fully follow the final drafting of the European Constitutional Treaty. 2) Ensure that the present IGC negotiations will not undermine the values and the objectives underlined in the present text of the draft Constitution. 3) Ensure that the Charter of Fundamental Rights be entirely included in the future Constitution without limiting, or omitting any of its parts. 4) Ensure that the IGC will include appropriate instruments towards the accomplishment of a Social Europe and in particular include the qualified majority voting in the fight against discrimination. 5) Ensure that the concept of participatory and parity democracy be fully integrated in the European Constitution. 12

13 Social Platform objectives Building Capacity Exchange of experiences and information between Platform members and sharing of resources Alongside its other objectives, the Social Platform aims to build solidarity and understanding between its diverse members by providing a forum for exchange of experiences and information. The main tools for this work developing exchanges of experience and information between Platform members continues to be the meetings between members the Steering Group, Working Groups, and the Working Parties established by these groups. As well as developing common policies and campaigns, such meetings also serve as important vehicles for the exchange of information between members, both in relation to policy issues, and in relation to the organisation of membership networks. The number of specialist Working Parties increased during 2003, allowing for a more effective exchange around specific issues. The Working Party on the Social Rights of Migrants was one example of this. In addition to these formal meetings, the Social Platform Secretariat participates in numerous meetings with Social Platform members in order to build information about the members, map the common concerns, and offer advice and support to members wherever possible. This includes both meetings with individual representatives, and addressing meetings of the statutory bodies of the Social Platform s members Building Capacity Building capacity of EU NGOs to engage with NGOs in the future Member States of the EU The Social Platform has developed its work in preparation for the enlargement of the European Union by aiming to build capacity of EU and candidate country social NGOs to work together. The Enlargement Working Group was the focus of the Platform s work in building the capacity of European social NGOs to engage in the accession process. In its meetings, the Working Group exchanged information between Platform members about capacity-building with NGOs in the acceding countries. It also organised a study visit to the Czech Republic (pictured above) during the year (18-20 September 2003). A delegation of Social Platform members and Czech NGOs met with high-levels representatives of Czech Government, the European Commission delegation in Czech Republic, and Czech members of Parliament to discuss the reality of the accession and its social impact in Czech Republic. The visit by the Social Platform to Prague also helped strengthen relations between Czech and European level social NGOs, and facilitate the involvement of Czech NGOs in European Civil Society. The Social Platform was strongly involved in the organisation of the conference Civil Dialogue and Social Policy in an Enlarged European Union, which took place on June, organised by the European Commission. The Working Group directed this preparatory work for the Budapest conference 13

14 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy The Lisbon Strategy and the Spring Summit The Social Platform s members work in diverse fields, but with many shared objectives in relation to EU policy. The Social Platform works to identify areas of common interest, and develops common campaigning on the basis of exchanges between members. The following sections describe how the Platform worked to promote the members shared objectives in the EU policy-making domain. The Lisbon objectives set a goal for the EU of achieving the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010, capable of sustainable growth, with more and better jobs, and greater social cohesion. Four years after the adoption of this goal, the Social Platform s Economic growth does not in itself produce a members remain concerned that the social elements of the Lisbon objectives are not being given sufficient weight by governments. As a response to this, the Social Platform issued its common position, Economic polices still driving the sustainable and integrated policy mix: Time to rebalance economic and social policies on the eve of the 2003 EU Spring Summit (extracts below). The document defended the European Social model, argued for economic policies to be informed to a greater extent by social policy, and made specific proposals to promote social inclusion and to fight against discrimination The European Social Model has two distinctive socially integrated society. The reform on the labour markets towards creation of jobs and increasing productivity has not been accompanied by strong policies to improve quality of jobs, social protection, gender equality, equality, fight against discrimination and social inclusion. characteristics : A common commitment to social justice with an aspiration to full employment, universal access to health care, childcare, dependant care, education, adequate social services, insurance for sickness, disability, unemployment and old age, and social assistance to prevent poverty and reduce social exclusion. A recognition that social justice can contribute to economic efficiency and progress. 14

15 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy The Social Policy Agenda In order to implement the social aspects of the Lisbon objectives, EU social policy is contained within a Social Policy Agenda which was adopted in In 2003, the European Commission held a mid-term review of the Social Policy Agenda, and the Social Platform made a key contribution to this review. The Platform was represented by several members at the midterm review conference in March including Giampiero Alhadeff and Anne-Sophie Parent past and present Presidents of the Social Platform. The content of their speeches was debated during an open meeting of members in order to ensure that they accurately conveyed the views of social NGOs at this important conference. The European Parliament also plays an important role in shaping European social policy, and monitoring its implementation. The Social Platform was invited to give expert evidence to the European Parliament s Employment and Social Affairs Committee in relation to its report on the social policy scoreboard, and Simon Wilson, Social Platform Director, addressed the Committee on 21 May. His contribution was based upon consultations with Platform members, and the Platform subsequently made a written contribution to the rapporteur, Ilda Figueiredo MEP Influencing Policy Migration and Integration The work of social NGOs, both in relation to advocacy and service provision, is often closely linked to the social situation of migrants within the EU. Whilst the debate on migration has often been dominated by the issue of entry controls, social NGOs have chosen to focus primarily on promoting policies which will ensure the fundamental rights and social integration of migrants who are already within the EU. In order to build upon this perspective, the Social Platform created a Working Party to collaborate on the issue in This group facilitated an input from the Platform to the European Commission in advance of its Communication on Immigration, Integration and Employment. It also provided a forum for exchanging information and best practice in the field, and with this objective in mind the Platform organised a seminar on the social rights of migrants on 25 September. Over thirty Social Platform representatives came together to discuss policies with expert speakers in relation to ethnic minorities and migrants 15

16 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy Services of General Interest and Social Services Some services are so important for our societies that they are given special protection by governments, and are designated by the EU as Services of General Interest. Social services fall into this category, and play a key role in promoting social cohesion and guaranteeing fundamental rights. Social services are often provided by NGOs, and many social NGOs also represent groups of service users such as people with disabilities. Consequently, Social Platform members have a wide range of expertise and experience which has enabled the Platform to make an important input to the debate over how to regulate such Services of General Interest (SGIs) at European level. The Social Platform made an ongoing and detailed contribution to this debate both before and after the publication of the Green Paper on Services of General Interest during 2003 (The Green Paper was published in May). The Platform produced a position paper on SGI and social services, which was adopted by the Social Platform Steering Group in February, after discussion and drafting by the Social Policy Working Group, and met regularly with the Commission to discuss the issue. After the publication of the Green Paper, social NGOs turned their attention to engaging in dialogue with the European Parliament as it considered its views on the issue. A delegation from the Platform met a number of times with Phillipe Herzog MEP, rapporteur for the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on the Green Paper in order to exchange views. The Social Platform Director, Simon Wilson, was then invited to address the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee s Hearing on A positive approach for the future of services of general interest in Europe in the European Parliament, where he emphasised the need to ensure access to services for all, and to recognise the unique status of social services. Access for all to services of general interest is crucial. This means that provision must be made for access for particular groups of users, for example, socially excluded groups and disabled users. Simon Wilson, addressing the EP Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. 16

17 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy Services of General Interest (SGI) and social services The Social Platform drafted a response to the Green Paper on SGIs which was adopted after a full consultation procedure in September (extract below). Also in September, the Platform, together with the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Observatory for the Development of Social Services in Europe, held a joint conference in Berlin to examine social services of general interest. The conference brought together interested actors at both European and national levels, to promote discussion of the role of social services within the Services of General Interest debate. Participants included Social Platform members, national members of Social Platform members, representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, local authorities, academics and think-tanks. The conference issued conclusions, which were also submitted as part of the consultation process around the Green Paper. The Platform s contributions during this time highlighted the concerns and views of Platform members concerning the definition of social services as Services of General Interest, and the existing and potential impact of the internal market upon the provision of services at a national and local level. The Platform s work in this area had an impact upon the policy-making arena. It succeeded in raising the profile of the role of SGIs in implementing fundamental rights, and of the need to see users of SGIs as citizens, not merely consumers, as well as of the distinctive position of social services A comprehensive approach to SGIs must naturally extend beyond the narrow, internalmarket focus The diversity of human needs means that social services can rarely be delivered in standardised forms. Time, understanding, and respect for the person s individuality are essential to determine the best service to be offered to an individual. 17

18 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy Spin or substance on Corporate Social Responsibility The Social Platform continued its work to contribute to the development of the European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), launched by the European Commission in 2002 with the mandate to exchange good CSR practices and to promote innovation, convergence and transparency in existing CSR practices and tools. Social NGOs see CSR as a useful complement to improving social standards and combating social exclusion and discrimination, although rejecting moves to replace legal standards with voluntary agreements. The Platform s involvement in the Forum, due to publish a report in June 2004, has taken place at several levels of activity. As a member of the Coordination Committee of the Forum, the Platform has attended all the meetings on average one-two per month to discuss and decide upon the planning and organisation of the Forum and Round table meetings. The Platform has also coordinated an inter-sectoral group of NGOs participating in the Forum, holding meetings on 5 February and 8 April to discuss the organisation of delegations to the round tables, the planning and content of the round tables, and the overall objectives of the Forum. On each occasion, all of the NGO sectors participating within the Forum were invited to participate in order to build partnerships between the sectors, and coordinate the input of NGOs to the Forum. As part of this coordination, the Platform coordinated the drafting of a joint letter to the Commission as organisers of the Forum, raising issues of concern, and proposing measures to strengthen the Forum The Platform also sent delegations to each of the four Round-table meetings (Improving Knowledge on CSR; Fostering CSR among SMEs; Diversity, convergence and transparency of CSR practices and tools; Development aspects of CSR), which each met during the period of this report. On each occasion, the Working Party decided upon the composition of the delegations to ensure the most effective input from social NGOs, and the widest range of expertise and viewpoints from the sector. The Platform also met with several MEPs to discuss issues around CSR. The Social Platform also organised a meeting with the European 18

19 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy Spin or substance on Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation for the Impovement of Living and Working Conditions. Members of the working party had the opportunity to exchange views on CSR and the involvement of the EU in this field. The debate went far beyond the EMS Forum and its activities. In November 2003, the Social Platform participated in the Italian EU presidency conference on The role of Public policies in promoting CSR. At the conference Social Platform President, Anne-Sophie Parent, called upon the Forum to explore into more detail what kind of European framework is needed for CSR, to guide and encourage the development of CSR as a major driver for social and environmental progress. NGOs have a keen interest in CSR because we believe that it can play an important role in helping the European Union achieve its Lisbon and Gothenburg objectives, Parent said. We agree that responsibility for achieving these objectives is not the sole responsibility of the business world. This responsibility lies with governments who have been elected by their citizens, she added. CSR will lose credibility amongst the general public, and companies at the cutting edge of CSR will lose their competitive edge, unless they are able to demonstrate that there is a commitment to ensure a common language for CSR. The European framework on CSR, proposed by the cross-sector group of NGOs active in the Forum singled out four key elements for action to advance CSR within the European Union : raising awareness and improving knowledge on CSR, developing the capacities and competencies to help mainstreaming CSR, ensuring an enabling environment for CSR by developing tools, policies, legislation, and incentives and developing a mechanism to assess impact of CSR policies Influencing Policy Public Procurement Public procurement policies refer to the procedures for the award of public supply, public service and public works contracts. Public procurement policies are of major economic importance since this type of transactions accounts for over 14% of the European Union s GDP. The Social Platform participates in joint campaigning with other trade union and NGO groups in an umbrella campaign to strengthen social and environmental aspects of public procurement policy to ensure that public authorities consider social and environmental factors when deciding how to spend this money. Two directives on public procurement made their way through the EU s decision-making process in 2003, and social NGOs argued strongly at all stages for social and environmental clauses. With the final agreement on the directives finally being reached, the next stage for the campaign is to raise awareness amongst public authorities at national, regional and local levels, that they can use the granting of public contracts as a tool to improve the social and environmental situations of our societies 19

20 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy Sustainable Development an integrated approach The Social Platform has continued its alliance with the European Trade Union Confederation and the European Environmental Bureau to campaign for the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development during A joint statement was issued by the three organisations on the eve of the Spring Summit on 18 March 2003, entitled Practice What You Preach : At the Spring Summit the EU should take the lead on sustainability. As part of the same joint activities on sustainability, the Social Platform organised a seminar in June to launch a joint campaign on investing for sustainable development. The seminar, attended by over fi fty representatives from the three networks, provided a first opportunity for national level activists to discuss how to organise a campaign to promote the use of investment tools to develop sustainability. The seminar focused upon the examples of sustainable housing, and sustainable public transport as case studies for sustainable investment. As part of the ongoing campaign, the three organisations drafted a common manifesto on sustainable investment, entitled Investing for a Sustainable Future. Published in November, the manifesto sets out bold and necessary steps to be taken by European and national level government to promote investment in sustainable public goods and services Public authorities have a key responsibility to ensure that suffi - cient investment is directed in a sustainable way towards public goods and services such as public transport and social housing, and remove barriers for such investment. 20

21 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy The Future of Europe The European political landscape in 2003 was dominated by the drafting of an EU Constitution by the European Convention, and then by the inconclusive negotiations within the InterGovernmental Conference to adopt the draft Treaty. The Social Platform facilitated the involvement of social NGOs in the debate during the year, thus providing politicians both with expertise and a bridge to the views of Civil Society organisations working on the ground. The key concerns of social NGOs are to secure a Constitution based upon fundamental rights and social justice, which commits the EU to key values such as nondiscrimination, gender equality, and social inclusion, and gives the Union the tools to defend and promote these values. The Platform began the year by opening a dialogue with key Convention members during a dinner held to explain the concerns of social NGOs, and which laid the groundwork for future collaboration with the Convention. This event was followed by many working meetings during the year with individual Convention members, political groups, and other stakeholders which helped NGOs understand the issues at stake, and gave Convention members access to the views of its members. In addition to these meetings, the Social Platform also produced a number of written inputs to the Convention. A working document was submitted to the Convention s Social Europe Working Group in January, and a response to the conclusions of that Working Group was later sent to the President of the Convention. Proposals were also sent to the Praesidium and key Convention members in relation to participatory democracy in March and April. In each case the content of the proposals made to the Convention was the subject of consultation with the Social Platform s members, followed by decision by the Steering Group or Management Committee. The Platform also engaged in a number of awareness-raising campaigns, both to support its views within the Convention, and to mobilise Civil Society at a national and European level. In particular, the Platform organised in May, together with trade unions, Convention members, and other NGOs, a campaign, A Social Europe is a Must! in order to emphasise the importance of implementing the Social Europe Working Group conclusions, and to promote knowledge of the issues amongst Civil Society organisations across Europe. The e-card campaign was launched at the ETUC Congress in Prague, in the presence of Valery Giscard d Estaing, Convention President, who expressed his support by signing the card together with the Vice-President of the Social Platform, Giampiero Alhadeff (pictured below). > > > 21

22 Social Platform objectives Influencing Policy The Future of Europe > > > The work on the Future of Europe enabled the Social Platform to propose a wide range of ideas from social NGOs to strengthen the draft Constitution, and many of these issues were subsequently incorporated in the final draft Constitution. In particular, the latter stages of the Convention s work saw the addition of equality to the values of the Union; the inclusion of non-discrimination within the objectives of the Union; the strengthening of sustainability within the objectives of the Union; the improvement of the Article on coordination of economic, employment, and social policies; the introduction of a horizontal clause on non-discrimination; and the commitment to integrate, in its full form, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into the Treaties. Another notable element of the final draft Constitution was the inclusion of an Article on participatory democracy, recognising for the first time the need to strengthen the democratic base of the Union through dialogue with Civil Society something for which the Social Platform has campaigned for many years. During these final stages of the Convention s work, the Social Platform agreed a common response to the first draft of the Constitution, which was submitted to Convention members on 5 June, following a full-day meeting attended by most Social Platform members. Another written response was agreed later the same month, this time focusing upon the development of Part III of the draft Constitutional Treaty. Following the ending of the Convention s work, the Social Platform disseminated information and analysis to its members on the draft Constitution, and then immediately began to assess how to promote the views of social NGOs during the Inter- Governmental Conference (IGC) which followed the Convention, and was charged with considering the Convention s proposed Constitutional Treaty. During the latter half of the year, the Social Platform continued to inform members of developments in the negotiations between Member States, and to press for improvements to the draft text. As information became more difficult for NGOs to obtain during this less public phase of the Future of Europe debate, the Social Platform met with many of the actors involved in the negotiations to gain a better understanding of the process, and to remind decision-makers of the views of social NGOs The act4europe campaign building alliances across Civil Society 22 In 2002 the Social Platform formed an alliance with the largest networks of NGOs working on human rights, the environment, international development, together with the European Trade Union Confederation, to work on the Future of Europe debate. The alliance, formalised as the Civil Society Contact Group, created a campaign act4europe to promote the involvement of national level Civil Society organisations in the discussions on the EU s future, and the development of this campaign continued to be a key activity for the members of the alliance in Act4europe provided regular information to NGOs across Europe, through its website, and by publishing 16 bulletins during the year. Act4europe was also represented at over twenty NGO events on the Constitution across Europe, bridging the gap between Brussels and the national level. Two European-level conferences were also organized, one at the end of the Convention in June and one in October, at the start of the IGC. In addition, many meetings with officials in the EP, the Commission, the IGC secretariat and the Presidencies were held to support the input of Civil Society.