Press Release: Reforms are paying off, but don’t forget the most vulnerable – EU report

Social protection reforms and active inclusion policies have visibly contributed to higher growth and more jobs in Europe over the past year. Still, more needs to be done to ensure that these benefits reach those at the margins of society and improve social cohesion, said a Commission report to be discussed by Employment and Social Affairs Ministers on 29 February. The 2008 'Joint Report on Social Protection and Inclusion' focused on priorities and progress made in the areas of child poverty, working longer, private pension provision, health inequalities and long-term care. Once adopted by the Council, the report will go to the Spring European Council on 13-14 March to highlight the social dimension of the jobs and growth package.

European Commission: MEM0/08/112: Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/112&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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