European Union News - Social Affairs

Although 61% of Europeans think further impacts of the economic crisis on jobs are to be expected, and a third of those in work are 'very concerned' that they may lose their jobs in the crisis, 72% of EU citizens still feel that the EU has a positive impact in creating new job opportunities and fighting unemployment. These figures are put forward by a new survey delivered on July 24th.

In recent years the EU has mainstreamed sustainable development into a broad range of its policies. In particular, the EU has taken the lead in the fight against climate change and the promotion of a low-carbon economy. Three years into the implementation of the EU's Sustainable Development Strategy the Commission has taken stock of developments at EU level and launched a reflection on how the EU strategy could be taken into the future.

The Commission has issued a call for proposals to develop the pilot project by the European Parliament that seeks to promote integration of Roma across the European Union.

Following a conference on intergenerational solidarity in April 2008 under the Slovenian Presidency, there have been calls to organise a European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity.

The names of twelve European authors to receive the first ever European Union Prize for Literature have been announced by the European Commission. The prizes will be presented during an Award ceremony in Brussels on 28 September. In recognition of his oeuvre and literary success Henning Mankell, the Swedish author, has accepted the role of Ambassador of the European Union Prize for Literature for the coming year.

The European Commission will allocate a maximum of 0.4 million euros for a study on access to justice in cases of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

The European Commission and the Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Directorate General has published a tender about efficient activation approaches and identifying elements for regional cooperation in the western Balkans.

The aim of the European Action on Drugs is to seek a European response to a growing problem which is no respecter of borders and to the potentially devastating economic and social consequences of drug abuse, particularly among the youth.

Council Directive 2009/50/EC of May 25th, on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment, the so-called Blue Card Directive entered into force on June 19th, after its publication in the OJEU on June 18th. Member States will have until June 19th 2011 to adapt their legislations to comply with its provisions.

The European Commission will address the issue of gender equality in a time of economic crisis during a conference in Brussels on 15 and 16 June 2009 . The two-day conference will bring together representatives from the European institutions, notably Vice-President Wallström and Commissioner  Špidla; representatives from national governments and equality bodies, European social partners and civil society to identify future priorities in the field of gender equality.

 15% of Europeans believe they have been discriminated against – one good reason for the European Commission to launch for the sixth year running its “For Diversity. Against Discrimination.” journalist competition. The award is open to both print and online journalists. It showcases the talents of media professionals who, through their writing, contribute to a better understanding of the benefits of diversity and tackling discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin. This year's award includes a special category for articles focusing on the link between poverty and discrimination.

The European Council adopted on June 11th 2009 at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting , a revised regulation on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) as one of the measures to tackle economic crisis.