The Belgian Presidency has said it will keep social issues high on the EU agenda.

The promotion of social cohesion has been identified as one of the key priorities of the Belgian Presidency. This objective will be pursued through the following initiatives:

• Seeking social convergence on higher standards, based on objectives and monitoring indicators
• Striving for concrete progress in the discussions about social services of general interest
• Reinforcing the social 'safety net' throughout people's lives
• Stressing the added value of the EU in the areas of health and ageing (including the issue of pensions)
• Focusing attention on violence against women.

Experts highlight that it may prove difficult for Belgian politicians to call for a balance between social and fiscal consolidation, as they are likely to face strong resistance from EU countries with conservative governments in place. There is a risk that the austerity plans fall on services of general interest and that in the fight against poverty active employment strategies are preferred to proposals for a minimum wage.

(source: Euractiv)