Vienna, 2. - 3. February 2006
University Campus, Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien

History
European leaders in March 2000, decided that by 2010 the EU must become “the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs, and greater social cohesion and respect for the environment” .

Their strategy was originally founded upon three equally important pillars of economy, employment and social inclusion. Within hours of signing their agreement the social objectives became increasingly weak and five years later they almost dropped of from sight. In spite of progress in some countries, unemployment stands at 19 million and there are more than 72 million women, men and children still living at risk of poverty.

Nevertheless, some European leaders still believe that social policies can be sidelined whilst our countries aim to increase jobs and growth. This is short-sighted and risks that people will come to increasingly distrust the European project and its representatives. People need to feel secure enough and prepared enough for the difficult changes so evident in today’s society. Therefore, the people in Europe have to be equipped for this rapidly changing world by ensuring the best training and education and adequate social protection.

What we do 

This is why Volkshilfe Österreich together with its fellow members in solidar has decided to launch Save Our Social Europe with an international conference to be held in Vienna at the time of the Austrian Presidency.

The conference will be a great opportunity for NGO activists, trade unionists, high-level politicians from European and national level and academia to get together and discuss the future of social policy in Europe and to plan Europe wide campaign to strengthen and modernize our European social models.