Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO Michele Corbetta LAO Network Coordinator EUROCITIES Active Inclusion in the Czech Republic Brno, 09/11/2010 EUROCITIES-NLAO is supported under the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (PROGRESS 2007-2013). The information contained in this publication does not reflect the opinion of the European Commission and all responsibility for the content lies with the authors

This presentation will cover: EU Policy context & development of Active Inclusion Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO Recent findings from our research

EU Policy Context & Development of Active Inclusion Including the most disadvantaged people/most excluded from the labour market in society Through an integrated strategy composed of three pillars: Adequate income support Inclusive labour markets Access to quality services

EU Policy Context & Development of Active Inclusion Active Inclusion: not a new concept; on-going elaboration: Part of EU social inclusion agenda since Lisbon Agenda: EC communications in 1992 and 2006 - 2007 EC wider consultations; Gained full legitimacy in 2008 with European Recommendations on Active Inclusion 4

EU Policy Context & Development of Active Inclusion European Recommendation on AI (2008) – key aspects: Integration between income support, employment support and public services, Better horizontal and vertical coordination between stakeholders; Partnerships with NGOs, service providers, etc. Setting common principles.

EU Policy Context & Development of Active Inclusion The EU Active Inclusion Strategy: Logically linked to EUROPE 2020 Strategy Inclusive growth Platform against poverty Employment guideline number 10 on social inclusion. 6

EUROCITIES The network of major European cities Founded in 1986 Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES The network of major European cities Founded in 1986 More than 140 large cities in over 30 European countries Platform to share knowledge and ideas and develop innovative solutions Dialogue with the European Institutions 6 thematic Forums, 37 Working Groups, projects, activities and events “Inclusive Cities for Europe” programme to improve the involvement of cities in the EU Social Inclusion process

EUROCITIES-NLAO pilot phase Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO pilot phase 5 cities establishing a Local Authority Observatory Decentralised & comparative research on local active inclusion policies Social services: housing & employment Outcomes: studies and policy recommendations, promoting dialogue between levels of government and with stakeholders Duration: March 2009 – August 2010 Financial support through PROGRESS Background: Commission Renewed Social Agenda Commission Recommendations on Active Inclusion -Monitoring AI principles via network of observatories EUROCITIES approach: Decentralised (empower cities) Refelect welfare typologies (therefore 5 to start with) Step by step coverage of various service areas relevant for Active Inclusion: alle aufzählen... Start with housing and employment because immediate relevance for cities (decision of all cities involved), Core responsibility for cities (in some countries)

EUROCITIES-NLAO pilot phase: main challenges identified by cities Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO pilot phase: main challenges identified by cities Changing role in social service provision Changing labour markets Social change Economic crisis

Active Inclusion strategy should widen its scope Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO pilot phase: feedback on the Active Inclusion strategy Continued dialogue needed to make Active Inclusion strategy operational Active Inclusion strategy should widen its scope More focus on territorial dimension and cities as key actors to achieve integration of services for both people and place

EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase Barcelona (ES) Birmingham (UK) Bologna (IT) Brno (CZ) Copenhagen (DK) Cracow (PL) Lille-Roubaix (FR) Rotterdam (NL) Sofia (BG) Stockholm (SE)

EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase A Dynamic network of 10 Local Authority observatories (LAOs) Integrated in the Inclusive Cities Partnership with DG EMPL An ambitious work plan of activities for 2010 Preparatory work for EUROCITIES-NLAO 2011-2013

EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase: key objectives Introduction to EUROCITIES-NLAO EUROCITIES-NLAO enlarged phase: key objectives Information dissemination and awareness raising: creation of national reference points on AI Research and Policy Analsys: identify good practices, challenges and recommendations to input into EU policy development on AI Supporting AI implementation and promoting mutual learning Point 5: alternatively ‘information hubs’ could perhaps be phrased with ‘national reference points’

EUROCITIES-NLAO: recent research findings Recent findings from our research EUROCITIES-NLAO: recent research findings Cities are aware of the EU Active Inclusion strategy but are not very familiar with the details. The EU Active Inclusion strategy is in line with cities’ priorities on social inclusion. The EU Active Inclusion strategy has potential to add value to local level strategies for social inclusion. Implementing active inclusion strategies at local level is of fundamental importance for social and territorial cohesion. Cities have an important role to play in developing and implementing active inclusion strategies, and EUROCITIES-NLAO is committed to do this.

Further information.. www.eurocities-nlao.eu

Thank you for your attention! michele.corbetta@eurocities.eu