1. 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 ). 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

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

3. 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

4. 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 EC wider consultations;
Gained full legitimacy in 2008 with European Recommendations on Active Inclusion 4

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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’

14. 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.

15. Further information..

16. Thank you for your attention!