Platform of European Social NGOs

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The Platform of European Social NGOs , or Social Platform for short , is an umbrella organization of European non-governmental organizations based in Brussels . The aim of the platform is to strengthen the social dimension of the European Union .

Tasks and self-image

It is the central European network actor in the field of social policy . The three large EU organs ( Council of the EU , European Commission and European Parliament ) accept the platform as an advisor on social policy issues and are in an informal but regular dialogue with it.

The Social Platform was founded in 1995 and today unites 40 European NGOs, associations and networks that work to strengthen the social dimension of the EU. A four-digit number of locally, regionally or nationally organized clubs, associations and volunteer groups are represented in the platform by their respective European umbrella organizations.

The spectrum of topics covered by the members ranges from social justice to social services , health , homelessness , racism and lifelong learning to the fight against poverty . The large number of its members and their range of content give the social platform its political significance. In recent years, the cooperation between the social platform and other European networks, e.g. B. in consumer protection , environmental protection increased.

The platform is financed to around 80% from funds from the European Commission, but is increasingly seeking third-party funds as part of project work.

Working method

The platform represents their ideas through statements, political campaigns, press work, the organization and participation in conferences and seminars as well as regular meetings with the representatives of EU institutions and other actors:

  • Twice a year, representatives of the European Commission meet with members of the platform's steering group. In addition to the Directorate-General (DG) Employment and Social Affairs , there is an increasing trend towards DG Internal Market and DG Competition.
  • Members of the Management Committee also take part in informal, high-level meetings of the current, previous and subsequent EU Council Presidencies (trio Council Presidencies) twice a year.
  • The exchange with the European Parliament also takes place in small groups, i.e. members of the Management Committee meet twice a year with the coordinators of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) of the European Parliament.

The platform develops its political positions in three working groups (see structure), which usually meet four times a year. The work results are then decided in the meeting steering group, in which the full members of the social platform are entitled to vote.

structure

  • General Assembly : The general assembly usually brings together all members once a year to make fundamental decisions and elect the management committee including the president and other functions.
  • Management Committee : The Management Committee is elected for two years by the General Assembly. It leads the political work, monitors processes and the implementation of the work programs. Among the seven members are currently:
  • Steering Group : In the Steering Group, the members reach agreement on their political demands and positions, which are prepared by the three working groups. Meetings take place four times a year. In addition to monitoring and accompanying the implementation of the annual work program, there is the opportunity to exchange ideas about your own projects.
  • Working groups : Political positions and campaigns are usually prepared and planned in the working groups. These meet four times a year and are intended to promote the exchange between the members regarding their activities.
    • Social Policy Working Group: General topics (development of the Open Method of Coordination , Lisbon Strategy ) and special legislative projects (e.g. on maternity protection ) are discussed and positions and recommendations are developed.
    • Fundamental Rights and Anti Discrimination WG
    • Services of General Interest WG: The working group analyzes and comments on projects relating to services of general interest (cross-border health care, state aid law, quality of social services, social economy) in the area of ​​tension of European competition law. In addition, the working groups occasionally call so-called working parties to deal with more specific topics.
  • Secretariat : The seven-person secretariat is the executive organ of the Social Platform. It implements the work program, informs and supports the members in their joint work. The director is Pierre Baussand.

Member organizations

Membership in the platform is open to European associations and networks of non-governmental organizations. The members of the platform are organizations that stand up for the interests of women, the elderly, people with disabilities, the unemployed, the poor, homosexuals, young people and children as well as families. In addition, European organizations are involved that are involved in the field of social justice, homelessness, lifelong learning or racism. Among the best known

• AGE - The European Older People's Platform • Caritas Europa • COFACE - Confederation of Family Organizations in the EU • EAPN - European Anti-Poverty Network • EDF - European Disability Forum • EPHA - European Public Health Alliance • EURAG - European Federation of Older Persons • EURODIACONIA • ICSW - International Council on Social Welfare • ILGA Europe - The European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association • Solidar

literature

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