Commission Recommendation (C (2008)/5737) on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, OJEU, on November, 18th, highlights the persistence of poverty and joblessness and the growing complexities of multiple disadvantages, calling for comprehensive, integrated policies.

Commission points out that the principles set forth in Council Recommendation 92/441/EC, which remains the reference instrument for EU policy in relation to poverty and social exclusion, are still in force. Nevertheless, since 1992 new policy instruments have emerged. One such instrument is the Open method of coordination on social protection and social inclusion (OMC), whose objectives include the active social inclusion labour market by fighting poverty and exclusion among the most marginalised people and groups. Another instrument is the European employment strategy, which aims, inter alia, to strengthen social inclusion, fight poverty, prevent exclusion from the labour market and support integration into employment of people at a disadvantage.

The Commission therefore recommends the design and implementation of an integrated comprehensive strategy for the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market, combining the three major strands: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services.

Active inclusion policies should facilitate the integration into sustainable, quality employment of those who can work and provide resources which are sufficient to live in dignity, together with support for social participation, for those who cannot.

This strategy is fully complementary to the flexicurity approach, while targeting those excluded from the labour market. It also contributes to the Lisbon strategy by facilitating the activation and the mobility of the workforce, and represents a building block in the social dimension of the EU’s sustainable development strategy

The effectiveness of integrated active inclusion policies should be ensured by:

• Comprehensive policy design defining the right mix of the three strands of the active inclusion strategy, taking account of their joint impact on the social and economic integration of disadvantaged people and their possible interrelationships, including synergies and trade-offs.
• Integrated implementation across the three strands of the active inclusion strategy to effectively address the multifaceted causes of poverty and social exclusion and enhance coordination between public agencies and services which deliver active inclusion policies.
• Policy coordination among local, regional, national and EU authorities in the light of their particular roles, competences and priorities.
• Active participation of all other relevant actors, including those affected by poverty and social exclusion, the social partners, non-governmental organisations and service providers, in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies.

To guarantee the relevant resources and benefits under the social protection arrangements the Commission Recommendation include the use of provisions and resources of the Structural Funds, in particular the European Social Fund, to support active inclusion measures, as well as to take the necessary measures to ensure that all, including the least privileged, are informed of their rights and of the support available, with the aid, where appropriate, of information technologies.

Active inclusion policies should:

1. Support the implementation of fundamental rights.
2. Promote gender equality and equal opportunities for all.
3. Take careful consideration of the complexities of multiple disadvantages and the specific situations and needs of the various vulnerable groups.
4. Take due account of local and regional circumstances and improve territorial cohesion.
5. Be consistent with a lifecycle approach to social and employment policies so they can support intergenerational solidarity and break the intergenerational transmission of poverty.

Commission also highlights the need to simplify as far as possible the administrative procedures and arrangements for examining resources and situations.