London Green MEP Jean Lambert, author of a report on "active inclusion in society", commented on its adoption by the European Parliament plenary today:
"The effects of an economic recession go far beyond unemployment and exclusion from the labour market. This is about people at the risk of falling into poverty, about those at risk of exclusion and feeling they have no useful role.
"In times of economic recession it is essential to ensure that those who find themselves on the margins of society, and our targets to reduce poverty are not forgotten. Obviously, it is important to help those who can find work to do so but we have to beware that ‘incentive’ measures don’t penalise people who can’t find work in tough times.
"Today’s vote was very clear: everyone has the right to an income which allows them to live in dignity. But inclusion is not just about money, it is also about the right to be heard. The report calls for effective dialogue with groups such as young people, to ensure they have a real voice in decisions made about their future.
"I am very pleased that this parliament’s final vote on social issues was about those who have least in our countries and what needs to be done for them."