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