Press Release: Shared approach is improving social cohesion in Europe

European cooperation is helping EU Member States improve social cohesion policies and spending, says a Commission report to be discussed by employment ministers on 22 February 2007. The 'Joint Report on Social Protection and Inclusion' highlights priorities and progress made in the areas of social inclusion, pensions, healthcare and long-term care – but underlines that big challenges remain. Member States are stepping up efforts to tackle child poverty, promote 'active inclusion' of the most disadvantaged in society, ensure adequate and sustainable pensions as well as equal access to health and long-term care. Once adopted by the Council, the report will go to the Spring Summit of EU leaders on 8-9 March as the social contribution to the jobs and growth package.

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/07/66 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/66&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities: Social Inclusion: Reports http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_inclusion/jrep_en.htm

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