Policy statements
Financial and economic crisis: social NGOs proposals for a European Recovery Plan

In this document the Social Platform, the largest coalition of European Social NGOs, outline actions that the EU can take to mitigate the impact of the crisis on vulnerable people. This document is a contribution to the European Commission’s recovery plan adopted on 26 November 2008 and has been developed by members of the Social Platform and approved by its management committee on 19 November 2008.

According to the Social Platform, it is time for EU decision-makers to show leadership and shift our economic development towards a social and sustainable model, investing in a greener and more social economy that will be respectful of people and the environment.

The Social Platform proposes the following ways out of the crisis:

  • How can we deal with the impact on people and the real economy?
  1. No backtracking on social, health and education investments
  2. Impact on the labour market: the recommendation on active inclusion and anti-discrimination legislations are more relevant than ever
  3. Do not divert European Social Fund away from social inclusion objectives
  4. Invest in a core set of services to create sustainable and decent jobs
  5. Guarantee access to core services
  6. Promote energy efficiency, create green jobs and target the housing sector
  7. Recognise and support the role of Social NGOs as forefront actor in crisis
  • Which financial market architecture do we need?
  1. Tighten financial regulation
  2. Guarantee access to basic banking services
  3. Guarantee that public money is used properly
  4. Ensure solidarity between Member States
  • How to work towards global solutions?
  1. Defend and promote the European Social Model at the international level