The EU and Social Inclusion

Social cohesion is one of the declared objectives of the European Union. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the EU Social Inclusion Process and the challenges ahead at regional, national and EU levels. It sets out concrete proposals for moving the Process forward. Providing a unique theoretically-informed analysis of policy formulation and EU social processes, the book: sets out the evolution and current state of EU cooperation in social policy; examines what can be learned about poverty and social exclusion from the EU commonly agreed indicators; suggests ways in which policy analysis in the Process should be deepened at domestic and EU level; discusses the further development of the common indicators, including the implications of Enlargement; considers the challenge of advancing the Social Inclusion Process, embedding it in domestic policies and making it more effective; proposes the setting of targets and restructuring of national action plans and their implementation; and emphasises the need for widespread "ownership" of the Process and for it to demonstrate significant progress in reducing poverty and social exclusion. The book is aimed at academics, students, policy-makers at regional, national and EU level, social partners, and NGOs