EU: A Care Strategy by the End of 2022

On Tuesday, the European Parliament had a debate and voted with a large majority the request to transform the existing 27 assistance models in Europe into a unique European excellence model, with minimum standards, with much more research and innovation, many investments, training of specialists and support to tens of millions of carers. The EU Commission will present a strategy by the end of 2022.

Brussels, 6 July 2022

On Tuesday 5 July 2022, the European Parliament had the debate on  a “Strategy for European Care” and held the vote on its Report the following day. This Report was prepared in view of the presentation of a Strategy for European Care by the European Commission, by the end of 2022. The purpose is to “support men and women in the search for the best care and the best life balance for them”.

The proposal will lay down the foundations for a long overdue reform of the welfare and social security systems in the Member States, aligning capacities with the needs and rights of citizens, as reflected in the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and building resilience to future crises.

Today there are many national systems with very important differences, including the lack of quality long-term care services available, accessible and affordable and chronic underinvestment in the care economy. However, it employs 6.3 million professionals plus over 44 million informal assistants across the EU.

A substantial portion of long-term care services are outdated and unfit for purpose. The Commission, as requested by the European Pillar of Social Rights (Principle nr. 18), will present a strategy also aimed at transforming institutional to community-based assistance.

Demographic change, an aging population, as well as the necessary reforms related to the green and digital transition in Europe, will further amplify the demand for various care services, put further pressure on the underfunded and underfunded care sector and, without policy responses which lead to the creation of higher quality jobs in the sector, generate new burdens for informal carers.

The vote held by the European Parliament is a kind of shopping list addressed to the European Commission, so that the incoming proposal could have the highest profile as possible. This Commission’s proposal will be sent to the two legislative Institutions, EU Council and European Parliament. They could modify the proposal and decide all objectives, instruments and financial resources, as well the necessary legislative initiatives for a common legal framework in Europe.

The Commission’s proposal will also be inspired by the 2021 Joint Report on Long-Term Care in the EU. Which, in addition to taking stock of social Assistance in Europe, indicates the objectives to be pursued, in accordance with the Principles listed in the European Social Pillar.

Continue reading… (all official documents and the recording of the debate and the voted Report, with list of voters!).