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[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |
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Brussell, 2.7.2008
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Brussels, 2.7.2008
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COM(2008) 418 finali
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COM(2008) 418 final
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KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI EWROPEW U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI
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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
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"Impenn imġedded għal Ewropa soċjali: Insaħħu l-Metodu Miftuħ tal-Koordinazzjoni għall-Ħarsien Soċjali u għall-Inklużjoni Soċjali"
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"A renewed commitment to social Europe: Reinforcing the Open Method of Coordination for Social Protection and Social Inclusion"
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{SEC(2008) 2153}{SEC(2008) 2169}{SEC(2008) 2170}{SEC(2008) 2179}
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{SEC(2008) 2153}{SEC(2008) 2169}{SEC(2008) 2170}{SEC(2008) 2179}
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1. INTRODUZZJONI
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1. INTRODUCTION
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Din il-Komunikazzjoni tifforma parti mill-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar "L-Aġenda Soċjali Mġedda: Opportunitajiet, aċċess u solidarjetà fl-Ewropa tas-seklu 21". Din tipproponi t-tisħiħ ta’ wieħed mill-iktar strumenti importanti li jappoġġja l-iżvilupp soċjali fl-UE u fl-Istati Membri, jiġifieri l-Metodu Miftuħ tal-Koordinazzjoni fil-qasam tal-ħarsien soċjali u ta’ l-inklużjoni soċjali (minn hawn ’il quddiem, "l-OMC Soċjali"). Dan il-metodu, imniedi fis-sena 2000 bħala proċess ta’ awto-valutazzjoni volontarja, u bbażat fuq għanijiet komuni, jikkumplementa taħlita komprensiva ta’ strumenti ta’ leġiżlazzjoni u finanzjarji (inkluż il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew) kif ukoll proċessi ta’ koordinazzjoni (partikolarment l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona), li appoġġjaw il-koeżjoni soċjali u s-solidarjetà fl-UE.
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This Communication is part of the Commission's Communication on a "Renewed Social Agenda: Opportunities, access and solidarity in 21st century Europe". It proposes the reinforcement of one of the most important instruments in support of social development in the EU and the Member States, i.e. the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social protection and social inclusion (hereinafter, "Social OMC"). This method, launched in 2000 as voluntary self-evaluating process, based on common objectives, complements a comprehensive mix of legislation, financial instruments (including the European Social Fund) and coordination processes (particularly the Lisbon Strategy) that have supported social cohesion and solidarity within the EU.
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Matul dawn l-aħħar tmien snin, l-Istati Membri użaw l-OMC Soċjali sabiex jikkoordinaw l-isforzi tagħhom ħalli jindirizzaw sfidi soċjali qodma u ġodda u sabiex jadattaw is-sistemi tal-ħarsien soċjali tagħhom għar-realtajiet soċjali ġodda. Huma ddefinew għanijiet komuni u ftiehmu dwar indikaturi sabiex jorjentaw il-politiki tagħhom għall-inklużjoni soċjali, għar-riforma fis-sistemi tal-pensjonijiet u fil-qasam tal-kura tas-saħħa u l-kura għal perjodu twil. Matul dan il-perjodu, l-OMC Soċjali wera kemm kien siewi billi appoġġja t-tagħlim reċiproku, billi ppromwova l-involviment aktar wiesa’ tal-partijiet interessati, billi stimola l-modernizzazzjoni tas-sistemi tal-ħarsien soċjali, billi żied l-għarfien tan-natura multi-dimensjonali tal-faqar u ta’ l-esklużjoni soċjali, billi fassal metodu mqassam għall-isfidi komuni, u billi ressaq fuq quddiem kwistjonijiet komuni li għadhom qed jiżviluppaw.
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Over the last eight years, Member States have used the Social OMC to coordinate their efforts to address old and new social challenges and to adapt their social protection systems to the new social realities. They have defined common objectives and agreed on indicators to orient their policies for social inclusion, for the reform of pension systems and in the field of healthcare and long-tem care. Throughout this period the Social OMC has proved its worth by supporting mutual learning, by promoting wider involvement of stakeholders, by giving impulse to the modernisation of social protection systems, by increasing awareness of the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion, by forging a shared approach to the common challenges and by bringing to the fore emerging common issues.
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Madankollu, l-ilħuq ta’ għanijiet komuni - il-ġlieda kontra l-faqar u l-esklużjoni soċjali, li jiġu żgurati s-suffiċjenza u s-sostenibbiltà tal-pensjonijiet, li jiġi żgurat l-aċċess indaqs għall-kura tas-saħħa u għall-kura għal perjodu twil – jibqa’ sfida. Proċess ta’ koordinazzjoni miftuħ, ibbażat fuq kooperazzjoni volontarja bejn ħafna Stati Membri, ma jistax, mid-definizzjoni tiegħu stess, jipproduċi riżultati kbar f’perjodu ta’ żmien limitat. Madankollu, jeżisti kunsens wiesa’ – kif indikat minn numru kbir ta’ skambji miktuba u orali fi ħdan il-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali (SPC) u fost il-partijiet interessati rilevanti kollha[1] - li jista’ u jeħtieġ isir ferm iżjed sabiex isir użu sħiħ mill-potenzjal ta’ l-OMC Soċjali.
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However, delivery on common objectives - fighting poverty and social exclusion, ensuring pension adequacy and sustainability, ensuring equitable access to health and long-term care – remains a challenge. An open coordination process, based on voluntary cooperation between numerous and diverse Member States, cannot, by definition, produce large-scale results in a limited period of time. Yet, there is a broad consensus – as illustrated by a large number of written and oral exchanges in the Social Protection Committee (SPC) and among all relevant stakeholders[1] - that more can and should be done to make full use of the potential of the Social OMC.
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Din il-Komunikazzjoni tipproponi li ssaħħaħ l-OMC Soċjali billi ttejjeb il-viżibbiltà u l-metodi ta’ ħidma tiegħu, issaħħaħ l-interazzjoni tiegħu ma’ politika oħra, issaħħaħ l-għodod analitiċi u l-bażi ta’ l-evidenza tiegħu, u billi ssaħħaħ ukoll il-pussess fl-Istati Membri permezz ta’ reviżjonijiet mill-pari, tagħlim reċiproku u bl-involviment ta’ l-atturi rilevanti kollha. It-tisħiħ għandu jinkiseb b’mod partikolari billi b’mod progressiv jiġu adottati, bi ftehim ma’ l-Istati Membri, xi wħud mill-metodi ta’ suċċess li ġew applikati taħt l-istrateġija ta’ Liżbona. Dan il-metodu, li jirrispetta l-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà kif ukoll in-natura volontarja ta’ l-OMC, għandu joħloq stimolu ġdid fl-iżvilupp ta’ l-analiżi u tad-definizzjoni tal-politika nazzjonali. Fl-istess waqt, dan għandu jtejjeb l-effiċjenza u l-viżibbiltà tad-dimensjoni soċjali ta’ l-UE bħala parti integrali mill-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona u jiżgura l-integrazzjoni aħjar tal-politiki ekonomiċi, tax-xogħol u dawk soċjali, kif meħtieġ mill-Kunsill Ewropew f’Marzu 2008.
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This Communication proposes to strengthen the Social OMC by improving its visibility and working methods, strengthening its interaction with other policies, reinforcing its analytical tools and evidence base, and enhancing ownership in Member States through peer review, mutual learning and involvement of all relevant actors. The reinforcement will in particular be achieved by adopting progressively, in agreement with the Member States, some of the successful methods applied under the Lisbon strategy. This approach, respecting the principle of subsidiarity and the voluntary nature of the OMC, will create a new stimulus in the development of national policy analysis and definition. At the same time, it will improve the efficiency and the visibility of the EU's social dimension as an integral part of the Lisbon Strategy and ensure better integration of economic, employment and social policies, as requested by the European Council in March 2008.
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2. L-EVOLUZZJONI U L-KISBIET EWLENIN TA’ L-OMC SOċJALI
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2. EVOLUTION AND MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SOCIAL OMC
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Il-valutazzjoni ġenerali ta’ l-OMC Soċjali fost l-Istati Membri u l-partijiet interessati hija pożittiva ħafna. Dan huwa meqjus bħala għodda sabiex jippromwovi l-progress fil-qasam soċjali u bħala strument innovattiv fit-tmexxija Ewropea[2]. Dan wassal għal iżjed riformi, kattar ir-rieda sabiex wieħed jikkoopera u jitgħallem minn xulxin fit-tfittxija għall-aħjar soluzzjonijiet sabiex jinkiseb il-progress soċjali, mingħajr l-obbligu sabiex jiddefinixxi “denominatur minimu komuni”. Reviżjonijiet regolari ta’ l-impatt tiegħu fuq il-politika u dwar l-effikaċja tal-metodi ta’ ħidma tiegħu jsiru fi ħdan il-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali (SPC), fid-djalogu mal-partijiet interessati tas-soċjetà ċivili u ma’ l-imsieħba soċjali, u fir-rapporti regolari ta’ esperti indipendenti.
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The overall assessment of the Social OMC among Member States and stakeholders is largely positive. It is recognized as a tool to promote progress in the social sphere and as an innovative instrument in European governance[2]. It has furthered reform, fostered a willingness to cooperate and learn from each other in the search for the best solutions to achieve social progress, without the obligation to define a “minimum common denominator”. Regular reviews of its policy impact and of the effectiveness of its working methods are conducted within the Social Protection Committee (SPC), in the dialogue with civil society stakeholders and social partners and in the regular reports of independent experts.
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Minn mindu beda fis-sena 2000, l-OMC Soċjali għadda minn diversi riformi. Fl-2005, it-tliet proċessi ta’ koordinazzjoni (l-inklużjoni soċjali, pensjonijiet suffiċjenti u sostenibbli, u kura tas-saħħa u kura għal perjodu twil ta’ kwalità għolja u sostenibbli) ingħaqdu fl-OMC Soċjali uniku[3]. L-għanijiet komuni ġew stabbiliti u aġġornati mill-Kunsill Ewropew, li kkonferma l-validità tagħhom matul is-sessjoni tar-rebbiegħa ta’ l-2008 (ara l-Anness 1). Il-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali (SPC) ftiehem dwar indikaturi, kemm li jolqtu bosta oqsma kif ukoll speċifiċi, għal dawn it-tliet taqsimiet sabiex jiġi sorveljat il-progress lejn għanijiet maqbula b’mod komuni (ara l-Anness 2).
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The Social OMC has undergone substantial reform since its launch in 2000. In 2005, the three coordination processes (social inclusion, adequate and sustainable pensions and high quality and sustainable healthcare and long-term care) were merged into one single Social OMC[3]. Common objectives were established and updated by the European Council, which confirmed their validity during its 2008 spring session (see Annex 1). The Social Protection Committee (SPC) agreed indicators, both overarching and specific for the three strands to monitor progress towards the commonly agreed objectives (see Annex 2).
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Barra minn hekk, il-proċess kien strutturat bħala ċiklu mifrux fuq tliet snin b’rappurtaġġ simplifikat . L-Istati Membri jissottomettu r-Rapporti Strateġiċi Nazzjonali fl-ewwel sena, li ssir sinteżi tagħhom f’Kunsill Konġunt u f’Rapport tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Ħarsien Soċjali u l-Inklużjoni Soċjali. Dan ir-"Rapport Konġunt" jinkludi profili separati dwar kull pajjiż li jenfasizzaw it-temi ta’ prijorità kif ukoll l-isfidi nazzjonali. Is-snin sussegwenti, mingħajr l-ebda rappurtaġġ, jiġu ddedikati għal analiżi profonda u għat-tagħlim reċiproku dwar it-temi ta’ prijorità.
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In addition, the process was structured as a three-year cycle with simplified reporting . Member States submit National Strategic Reports in the first year, which are synthesised in a Joint Council and Commission Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion. This "Joint Report" includes separate country profiles highlighting the priority themes and national challenges. The intervening years, without reporting, are dedicated to in-depth analysis and mutual learning on priority themes.
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Ir-razzjonalizzazzjoni ta’ l-OMC Soċjali wasslet għal attenzjoni ikbar fuq l-implimentazzjoni tal-politika u għal interazzjoni pożittiva ma’ l-Istrateġija mġedda ta’ Liżbona għat-Tkabbir u l-Impjiegi. Ir-rapporti nazzjonali ta’ l-2006 kienu aktar strateġiċi, li ffokaw fuq għażla limitata ta’ prijoritajiet u metodi koerenti sabiex jinkisbu għanijiet komuni. Ir-Rapport Konġunt ta’ l-2007 ikkonkluda li l-konsiderazzjoni konġunta ta’ sett sħiħ ta’ għanijiet soċjali komuni kienet qed tgħin sabiex titjieb il-konsistenza u l-effikaċja tal-politika. Barra minn hekk, iċ-ċiklu l-ġdid ikkontribwixxa għal analiżi aktar profonda u wessa’ l-proċess tat-tagħlim fuq prijoritajiet ewlenin. Ir-Rapport Konġunt ta’ l-2008, li jiffoka fuq il-faqar tat-tfal, fuq l-aċċess għall-kura tas-saħħa, fuq il-ħtiġijiet li qed jevolvu rigward il-kura għal perjodu twil, fuq ħajja ta’ xogħol itwal kif ukoll fuq pensjonijiet privati, ikkonferma kemm il-metodu l-ġdid huwa tassew tajjeb.
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The streamlining of the social OMC has led to a stronger focus on policy implementation and a positive interaction with the renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. The 2006 national reports were more strategic, focusing on a limited selection of priorities and coherent approaches for achieving the common objectives. The 2007 Joint Report concluded that joint consideration of the full set of common social objectives was helping to improve policy consistency and effectiveness. Moreover, the new cycle contributed to deeper analysis and boosted the learning process on key priorities. The 2008 Joint Report, focusing on child poverty, access to health care, evolving long-term care needs, longer working lives and privately managed pensions, confirmed the richness of the new approach.
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3. IL-ħTIEġA LI JISSAħħAħ L-OMC SOċJALI
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3. THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE SOCIAL OMC
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Dawn ir-riżultati pożittivi ta’ l-OMC ma jwarrbux il-ħtieġa li jiġi msaħħaħ il-metodu, speċjalment sabiex jitjieb it-twettiq ta’ għanijiet miftiehma b’mod komuni u sabiex isir użu aħjar dwar l-indikaturi miftiehma b’mod komuni. Minkejja l-impenn tal-Kunsill Ewropew fis-sena 2000 "sabiex jagħmel impatt deċiżiv dwar il-qerda tal-faqar", mhemm l-ebda sinjal ta’ tnaqqis ġenerali fir-rati tal-faqar fl-UE. 16% taċ-ċittadini ta’ l-UE (78 miljun) huma f’riskju ta’ faqar. Fost dawn, it-tfal huma f’riskju ferm akbar: 19%. Ir-riformi fil-pensjonijiet ma neħħewx ir-riskju ta’ dispożizzjonijiet ta’ pensjonijiet mhux adegwati għall-ġenerazzjonijiet tal-futur, filwaqt li l-inugwaljanzi fis-saħħa (ħajjiet iqsar, stat ta’ saħħa agħar fost gruppi żvantaġġati) għadhom hemm.
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These positive results of the OMC don't take away the necessity to strengthen the method, especially in order to improve delivery on the agreed common objectives and make a better use of the commonly agreed indicators. In spite of the European Council's commitment in 2000 "to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty", there are no signs of an overall reduction in poverty rates in the EU. 16% of EU citizens (78 million) are at risk of poverty. Among them, children are at even greater risk: 19%. Pension reforms have not removed the risk of inadequate pension provisions for future generations, and health inequalities (shorter lives, worse health status in disadvantaged groups) persist.
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Li jinstabu soluzzjonijiet għal dawn il-problemi hija l-ewwel u qabel kollox ir-responsabbiltà ta’ l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali, b’mod konformi mal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà. Kif ipprovat bis-suċċessi tiegħu stess, l-OMC kien katalist għar-riforma fl-Istati Membri; dan jista’ jkun aktar effettiv billi jsegwi l-metodu deskritt hawn taħt.
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Finding solutions to these problems is in the first place the responsibility of national authorities, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. As shown by its achievements, the OMC has been a catalyst for reform in the Member States; it can be even more effective by following the approach outlined below.
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3.1 Inżidu l-impenn politiku u l-viżibbiltà
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3.1. Increasing political commitment and visibility
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Il-mudell ta’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona
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The Lisbon Strategy model
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L- Istrateġija mġedda ta’ Liżbona għat-Tkabbir u l-Impjiegi riveduta, bl-attenzjoni tagħha tkun fuq l-implimentazzjoni kif ukoll bl-arranġamenti avvanzati tagħha dwar il-governanza, li tinvolvi l-Istati Membri, il-Kummissjoni, il-Kunsill tal-Ministri u l-Parlament Ewropew f’metodu ta’ sħubija, tforni kemm mudell kif ukoll referenza importanti għat-tisħiħ ta’ l-OMC Soċjali. Is-suċċess ta’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona f’termini ta’ prestazzjonijiet ekonomiċi u ta’ impjiegi matul dawn l-aħħar snin żvela li impenn politiku b’saħħtu ta’ l-ogħla livell, l-isforzi kkoordinati għar-riforma kif ukoll ir-reviżjonijiet mill-pari jistgħu jipproduċu riżultati konkreti u viżibbli.
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The renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs , with its focus on implementation and with its advanced governance arrangements, involving Member States, the Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament in a partnership approach, provides both a model and a key reference for the reinforcement of the Social OMC. The success of the Lisbon Strategy in terms of economic and employment performances over the last few years show that strong political commitment at the highest level, coordinated efforts for reform and peer review can produce concrete and visible results.
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Wieħed mill-punti b’saħħithom ta’ l-Istrateġija għat-Tkabbir u l-Impjiegi huwa l-fatt li din hija bbażata fuq approċċ ta’ sħubija u mmexxija minn aġenda ta’ politika li dwarha qabel kulħadd. Fl-istess waqt, il-qafas metodoloġiku sofistikat tagħha huwa ssupplimentat minn kombinazzjoni ta’ indikaturi magħżula u miri kwantitattivi, li jagħmel l-iskrutinju tal-politika aktar effettiv, trasparenti u kredibbli. Fuq din il-bażi, il-Kummissjoni tforni valutazzjoni sistematika dwar il-progress miksub minn kull pajjiż u tipproponi rakkomandazzjonijiet speċifiċi għall-pajjiż u/jew punti li jridu jiġu kkunsidrati. Dawn il-proposti jippermettu lill-Istati Membri, fil-Kunsill Ewropew u fil-Kunsill tal-Ministri, sabiex jilħqu kunsens dwar l-aħjar politiki li jridu jiġu ssuktati fuq livell Ewropew u nazzjonali. Barra minn hekk, l-enfasi fuq miri li jiftiehmu faċilment jiffaċilita l-komprensjoni u l-għarfien pubbliku tal-proċess.
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One of the strengths of the Growth and Jobs Strategy lies in the fact that it is based on a partnership approach and driven by a commonly agreed policy agenda. At the same time, its sophisticated methodological framework is supplemented by a combination of selected indicators and quantitative targets, which makes policy scrutiny more effective, transparent and credible. On this basis, the Commission provides a systematic assessment of the progress achieved by each country and proposes country-specific recommendations and/or points to watch. These proposals allow Member States, in the European Council and the Council of Ministers, to reach consensus on the best policies to pursue at the European and national level. Moreover, the emphasis on easily understandable targets facilitates comprehension and public awareness of the process.
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L-importanza ta’ interazzjoni pożittiva bejn l-OMC Soċjali u l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona ġiet enfasizzata fil-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-OMC ta’ l-2005: " l-OMC għandu jiffunzjona b’mod parallel u jirreaġixxi mill-qrib ma’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona riveduta, "li ssostni" l-għanijiet għat-tkabbir u l-impjiegi, filwaqt li l-programmi ta’ Liżbona “iwasslu” sabiex jitmexxew ’il quddiem l-għanijiet tal-koeżjoni soċjali". Tkabbir ogħla u aktar impjiegi fihom infushom ma kinux biżżejjed sabiex jinkisbu r-riżultati tant mistennija f’termini ta’ tnaqqis fil-faqar u ta’ titjib taċ-ċirkostanzi ta’ dawk l-aktar vulnerabbli. Għalhekk, il-Kunsill Ewropew ikkonferma mill-ġdid, f’Marzu 2008, "l-importanza tad-dimensjoni soċjali ta’ l-UE bħala parti integrali mill-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona" u saħaq dwar il-ħtieġa sabiex jiġu integrati aktar il-politiki ekonomiċi, ta’ l-impjieg u dawk soċjali[4].
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The importance of positive interaction between the Social OMC and the Lisbon Strategy was highlighted in the Commission Communication on the OMC of 2005: " the OMC should parallel and interact closely with revised Lisbon, "feeding-in" to growth and employment objectives, while Lisbon programmes “feed out” to advance social cohesion goals". Higher growth and more jobs have in themselves not been sufficient to achieve the hoped-for results in terms of poverty reduction and improvement of the circumstances of the most vulnerable. Consequently, the European Council reconfirmed, in March 2008, "the importance of the social dimension of the EU as an integral part of the Lisbon Strategy" and stressed the need further to integrate economic, employment and social policies[4].
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Għalhekk, jagħmel sens li jiġu adottati b’mod progressiv xi wħud mill-metodi u l-istrateġiji, li jintużaw taħt l-Istrateġija mġedda ta’ Liżbona għat-Tkabbir u l-Impjiegi għall-OMC Soċjali. Dan isaħħaħ l-effikaċja ta’ l-OMC Soċjali. Dan isaħħaħ ukoll l-implimentazzjoni tal-politiki nazzjonali biex jinkisbu għanijiet soċjali komuni u biex jiżdiedu l-impenn u l-viżibbiltà. Dan għandu jkun ta’ għajnuna sostanzjali fl-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona, b’mod konformi mal-konklużjoni tal-Kunsill Ewropew, u jiżgura l-aħjar interazzjoni bejn l-impjiegi, it-tkabbir u l-politika soċjali. Fl-istess waqt, dan il-metodu jkun kompletament kumpatibbli mal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà u man-natura volontarja tal-Metodu Miftuħ ta’ Koordinazzjoni. Dan jidher f’oqsma oħra ta’ koordinazzjoni miftuħa (l-edukazzjoni u l-impjiegi) li għal dawn ġew stabbiliti l-miri ta’ l-UE, bħalma huma r-rati ta’ l-impjieg, dawk li ma jkomplux bl-iskola, it-tagħlim tul il-ħajja, u li jżidu sostanzjalment mad-dinamiżmu ta’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona.
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It seems therefore logical to progressively adopt some of the methods and the approaches, which are used under the renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs for the Social OMC. It would strengthen the effectiveness of the Social OMC. It would enhance implementation of national policies towards the achievement of common social objectives and increase the commitment and visibility. It would produce a more substantial input into the Lisbon Strategy, in line with the European Council's conclusions, and ensure optimal interaction between jobs, growth and social policy. At the same time, this approach would be fully compatible with the principle of subsidiarity and the voluntary nature the Open Method of Coordination. This is illustrated in other areas of open coordination (education and employment) for which EU targets have been set, such as employment rates, school drop-outs, lifelong learning, and which add substantially to the dynamism of the Lisbon Strategy.
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L-istabbiliment tal-miri
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Setting targets
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Numru ta’ indikaturi diġà ġew miftiehma bejn l-Istati Membri fl-oqsma tal-ħarsien soċjali u ta’ l-inklużjoni soċjali (ara l-Anness 2), u dawn huma b’saħħithom biżżejjed bħala bażi għall-introduzzjoni ta’ miri kwantitattivi. B’mod partikolari, dawn jistgħu jitqiesu sabiex "isir impatt deċiżiv fuq il-qerda tal-faqar ". Minkejja dan l-impenn, meħud mill-Kunsill Ewropew fis-sena 2000, għad hemm triq twila sew. Il-miri jistgħu jintroduċu dinamiżmu ġdid; dawn jistgħu jiġu stabbiliti għat-tnaqqis tal-faqar b’mod ġenerali kif ukoll għal forom speċifiċi ta’ faqar, bħalma huwa l-faqar fost it-tfal li bħalissa huwa tliet punti ogħla mir-rata tal-faqar għall-popolazzjoni totali (19 kontra 16%), u li jikkonċerna tifel/tifla minn erbgħa f’ċerti pajjiżi; il-faqar fost min għandu x-xogħol huwa ta’ 8% tal-popolazzjoni li taħdem u qed dejjem jiżdied; il-faqar persistenti fuq perjodu twil, li għal dan se jkun hemm dalwaqt indikaturi b’saħħithom; u l-faqar fost l-anzjani (65+), li wkoll huwa indikatur ta’ l-adegwatezza tal-pensjonijiet.
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A number of indicators have already been agreed among Member States in the areas of social protection and social inclusion (see annex 2), and they are sufficiently robust as a basis for the introduction of quantitative targets. This could in particular be considered for "making a decisive impact on poverty eradication ". In spite of this commitment, taken by the European Council in 2000, there is still a long way to go. Targets would introduce a new dynamism; they could be set for the reduction of poverty in general as well as for specific forms of poverty, such as child poverty which is currently three points higher than the poverty rate for the total population (19 against 16%), and concerns one child in four in some countries; in-work poverty which hits 8% of the working population and is on the increase; persistent, long-term poverty, for which robust indicators will be available soon; and poverty of older people (65+), which is also an indicator of pension adequacy.
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Peress li hemm ħtieġa li tiġi sorveljata sew l-adegwatezza tal-pensjonijiet, mira għar- riforma fis-sistemi tal-pensjonijiet tista’ tiġi relatata għal livell minimu ta’ dħul li jingħata permezz ta’ pensjonijiet pubbliċi jew privati. L-implimentazzjoni ta’ l-għanijiet fil-qasam tal- kura tas-saħħa u tal-kura fuq perjodu twil tista’ tiġi appoġġjata b’miri relatati ma’ l-aċċess u l-kwalità tal-kura tas-saħħa u l-kura soċjali. Barra minn hekk, jista’ jkun hemm miri relatati ma’ l-istat ta’ saħħa, per eżempju fuq iż-żieda fit-tul medju tal-ħajja (li jvarja fost l-Istati Membri bi 13-il sena għall-irġiel u b’7 snin għan-nisa) u tas-snin ta’ ħajja sana, u t-tnaqqis fir-rata ta’ l-imwiet tat-tfal (s’issa madwar 10 għal kull elf twelid f’ċerti Stati Membri). L-istat tas-saħħa huwa wieħed deċiżiv għall-parteċipazzjoni attiva fis-suq tax-xogħol, għall-ħajjiet tax-xogħol itwal u għat-tnaqqis fil-faqar.
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Since there is a need to monitor carefully the adequacy of future pensions, a target for the reform of pension systems could be related to a minimum level of income provided through pensions, whether publicly or privately provided. The implementation of the objectives in the field of healthcare and long-term care could be supported by targets related to access and quality of healthcare and social care. In addition, there could be health-status related targets, for example on increasing life expectancy (differing among Members States by as much as 13 years for men and 7 years for women) and healthy life years, and reducing infant mortality (still around 10 per thousand live births in some Member States). Health status is decisive for active participation in the labour market, longer working lives and for reducing poverty.
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L-introduzzjoni ta’ dawn il-miri kwantifikati, appoġġjati bl-indikaturi miftiehma b’mod komuni, u bbażati fuq għodda analitiċi b’saħħithom, għandha tgħin lill-Istati Membri sabiex isostnu l-impenn tagħhom u jaħdmu b’mod aktar konkret sabiex jinkisbu dawn l-għanijiet komuni. Sabiex jiġu kkunsidrati d-diversità tagħhom, il-kuntest nazzjonali partikolari u l-punti differenti ta’ tluq, l-Istati Membri jistgħu jiddefinixxu l-miri nazzjonali .
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The introduction of these quantified targets, supported by the commonly agreed indicators, based on robust analytical tools, will help Member States to sustain commitment and work more concretely towards the achievement of common objectives. In order to take account of their diversity, particular national context and different points of departure, Member States could define national targets .
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Il-miri nazzjonali jistgħu jkunu parti minn divrenzjar fl-għażliet, li jagħmluha possibbli għal gruppi ta’ pajjiżi b’sitwazzjoni jew problemi simili, sabiex jaħdmu flimkien. Dan il-metodu diġà qed jiġi implimentat għall-flessigurtà fi ħdan l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona u, sa ċertu punt, intuża f’analiżi tematika dwar il-faqar fost it-tfal fl-2007. S’issa l-esperjenza, għalkemm għadha waħda limitata, tissuġġerixxi li din hija bażi tajba għal analiżi ta’ u parir dwar politika magħmula apposta u tista’ torbot b’mod realistiku lill-Istati Membri individwali permezz ta’ għanijiet komuni. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tesplora l-iżvilupp, fil-kuntest ta’ l-OMC, ta’ l-għażliet kif ukoll il-prinċipji komuni dwar l-analoġija tal-proposti tagħha dwar il-flessigurtà approvata mill-Kunsill Ewropew f’Diċembru 2007.
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The national targets could be part of a differentiation along pathways, making it possible for groups of countries with a similar situation or problems, to work together. This method is already being implemented for flexicurity within the Lisbon Strategy and was to some extent used in a thematic analysis of child poverty in 2007. The experience so far, although still limited, suggests that it is a good basis for more tailor-made policy analysis and advice and can realistically connect individual Member States to common objectives. The Commission will explore the development, in the OMC context, of pathways as well as of common principles on the analogy of its proposals on flexicurity endorsed by the European Council in December 2007.
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Ir-Rakkomandazzjonijiet tal-Kummissjoni
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Commission Recommendations
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Id-diskussjonijiet fil-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali jkopru sensiela wiesgħa ta’ suġġetti relatati mal-ħarsien soċjali u ma’ l-inklużjoni soċjali. Is-suġġetti li huma parti mill-OMC jistgħu jiġu kkonsolidati iżjed billi tiġi formalizzata l-konverġenza ta’ l-opinjonijiet kull meta din tinqala’. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tikkontribwixxi għal dan billi tagħmel, fejn xieraq, użu mir- Rakkomandazzjonijiet ibbażati fuq l-Artikolu 211 tat-Trattat, billi tistabbilixxi prinċipji komuni, billi tforni bażi għall-monitoraġġ u r-reviżjoni mill-pari. L-approvazzjoni politika mill-Istitituzzjonijiet l-oħra għandha tagħti saħħa u viżibbiltà lil dawn il-prinċipji komuni. Il-Kummissjoni beħsiebha tiżviluppa dan il-metodu b’mod gradwali, waqt li tibni fuq l-esperjenza tar-Rakkomandazzjoni dwar l-Inklużjoni Attiva li l-Kummissjoni beħsiebha tippreżenta f’Ottubru 2008 bħala bażi għall-Konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill u għar-Riżoluzzjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew.
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Discussions in the Social Protection Committee cover a wide range of subjects related to social protection and social inclusion. The subjects that are part of the OMC could be further consolidated by formalising convergence of views whenever it arises. The Commission will contribute to this by making, where appropriate, use of Recommendations based on Article 211 of the Treaty, setting out common principles, providing a basis for monitoring and peer review. Political endorsement from the other Institutions will give strength and visibility to such common principles. The Commission intends to develop this approach gradually, building on the experience of the Recommendation on Active Inclusion which the Commission envisages presenting in October 2008 as a basis for Council Conclusions and a European Parliament Resolution.
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Rappurtaġġ, komunikazzjoni u disseminazzjoni aħjar
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Better reporting, communication and dissemination
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Fuq il-bażi tal-metodu spjegat aktar ’il fuq, il-Kummissjoni se ssaħħaħ il-kapaċità tagħha sabex tevalwa u timmonitorja l-progress kemm fuq livell ta’ UE u livell nazzjonali. Monitoraġġ imsaħħaħ għandu jiġi rifless fir-Rapport Konġunt tal-Kunsill u tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Ħarsien Soċjali u l-Inklużjoni Soċjali, li jiġi ppubblikat perjodikament u li jikkostitwixxi l-bażi għall-kontribuzzjoni tal-Kunsill ta’ l-EPSSCO għall-Kunsill Ewropew tar-Rebbiegħa. Il-Parlament Ewropew se jiġi informat fuq bażi regolari. Barra minn hekk, il-Kummissjoni se tuża r-Rapport dwar is-Sitwazzjoni Soċjali, imħejji kull sena taħt l-Artikolu 143 tat-Trattat, sabiex tippreżenta l-valutazzjoni tagħha stess dwar ix-xejriet kurrenti u l-progress rigward l-għanijiet komuni għall-istituzzjonijiet l-oħra, bil-ħsieb li jitwessa’ u jissaħħaħ id-dibattitu politiku. L-Istati Membri huma mistiedna li jkomplu jirrappurtaw kull tliet snin dwar il-progress miksub fi ħdan l-OMC b'mod integrat, soġġett għal diskussjonijiet fil-ġejjieni dwar il-futur ta' l-Istrateġija ta' Liżbona.
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On the basis of the approach outlined above, the Commission will enhance its capacity to assess and monitor progress both at EU and at national level. Reinforced monitoring should be reflected in the periodical Joint Council and Commission Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, which constitutes the basis for the contribution of the EPSSCO Council to the Spring European Council. The European Parliament will be informed on a regular basis. Moreover, the Commission will use the Social Situation Report, prepared each year under Treaty Article 143, to present its own assessment of current trends and of progress towards the common objectives to the other institutions, with a view to broaden and enrich the political debate. Member States are invited to continue to report every third year on progress achieved within the OMC in an integrated way, subject to future discussions on the future of the Lisbon Strategy.
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Il-komunikazzjoni u d-disseminazzjoni tar-riżultati se jkunu aktar effettivi permezz ta’ l-iżvilupp kontinwu ta’ strateġija ta’ komunikazzjoni proattiva li tirrikorri għall-possibbiltajiet kollha previsti bil-programm PROGRESS. Dan huwa parti integrali mill-OMC Soċjali bħala mezz sabiex jiġi ddisseminat l-għerf, sabiex jistimola "kompetizzjoni pożittiva" fost il-pari u sabiex jikkontribwixxi għall-mobilizzazzjoni u l-impenn sostnuti. B’mod partikolari, il-Kummissjoni se żżid l-isforzi tagħha sabiex tagħmel l-informazzjoni relatata mas-suċċessi ta’ l-OMC Soċjali aktar aċċessibbli, komprensibbli u utli. Is-sit ta’ l-internet imġedded dwar il-ħarsien u l-inklużjoni soċjali[5] se jkun għodda importanti f’dan ir-rigward.
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Communication and dissemination of results will be made more effective through the continuous development of a proactive communication strategy drawing on all possibilities provided by the PROGRESS programme. This is part and parcel of the Social OMC as a way to share knowledge, to stimulate "positive competition" among peers and to contribute to sustained mobilisation and commitment. In particular, the Commission will increase its efforts to make information related to the achievements of the Social OMC widely accessible, comprehensible and useful. The renewed web-site on social protection and social inclusion[5] will be an important tool in this regard.
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3.2 Insaħħu l-interazzjoni pożittiva ma’ politiki oħra ta’ l-UE
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3.2. Strengthening the positive interaction with other EU policies
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L-Integrazzjoni
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Mainstreaming
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Kif enfasizzat fil-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar Aġenda Soċjali Mġedda ħolistika u trasversali, huwa ġeneralment magħruf li l- kunsiderazzjonijiet ta’ politika soċjali għandhom jiġu integrati wkoll fil-politiki kollha ta’ l-UE (pereżempju l-kompetizzjoni, is-suq intern, il-politika ekonomika, is-saħħa, l-immigrazzjoni, il-kummerċ, l-agrikoltura, eċċ.). Il-Kummissjoni se tissokta bl-isforzi tagħha sabiex tipproduċi stimi ta’ l-impatt b’saħħithom dwar kull inizjattiva ta’ politika ġdida, u f’dan il-kuntest se tagħti attenzjoni speċjali għall- impatti soċjali. Il-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali diġà ta aktar attenzjoni għall-integrazzjoni ta’ l-għanijiet soċjali, filwaqt li jirrikorri wkoll għall-esperjenza speċifika li kiseb diġà fl-UE rigward l-integrazzjoni bejn is-sessi[6]. Il-Kummissjoni se taħdem aktar mal-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali sabiex issaħħaħ il-kapaċità maqsuma ta’ l-istima ta’ l-impatt.
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As underlined in the Commission's Communication on a holistic, cross-cutting Renewed Social Agenda, it is generally recognized that social policy considerations must also be mainstreamed throughout EU policies (e.g. competition, internal market, economic policy, health, immigration, trade, agriculture, etc.). The Commission will pursue its own efforts to produce robust impact assessments on each new policy initiative, and in this context pay particular attention to social impacts. The Social Protection Committee has already paid increasing attention to mainstreaming of social objectives, also drawing on the specific experience already gained in the EU on gender mainstreaming[6]. The Commission will further work with the Social Protection Committee in order to strengthen the shared impact assessment capacity.
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Il-koordinazzjoni orizzontali
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Horizontal coordination
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L-OMC Soċjali sar iżjed punt ta’ referenza għal skala wiesgħa ta’ kwistjonijiet soċjali li huma minn ta’ quddiem fuq l-aġendi ta’ l-Istati Membri u li jolqtu oqsma ta’ politiki differenti, bħalma huma l-impatt soċjali fuq il-migrazzjoni; l-inklużjoni soċjali ta’ minoritajiet etniċi jew żvantaġġati, inkluż il-komunitajiet Roma; il-faqar fl-inħawi rurali; il-kura għal perjodu twil u l-inklużjoni soċjali ta’ persuni b’diżabbiltà; il-konsegwenzi soċjali tal-bidla fil-klima, id-degradazzjoni ambjentali u x-xejriet fil-prezzijiet ta’ l-enerġija; l-iżvantaġġ edukattiv u l-aċċess mhux ugwali għat-taħriġ kontinwu u għat-tagħlim ta’ tul il-ħajja; l-edukazzjoni finanzjarja u l-aċċess għal servizzi finanzjarji bażiċi; id-diviżjoni diġitali u l-esklużjoni soċjali; it-tixjiħ attiv u s-solidarjetà bejn il-ġenerazzjonijiet.
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The Social OMC has increasingly become a reference point for a wide range of social issues that are high on Member States' agendas and cut across different policy areas, such as the social impact of migration; the social inclusion of ethnic or disadvantaged minorities, including Roma communities; poverty in rural areas; long-term care and social inclusion of the disabled; social consequences of climate change, environmental degradation and trends in energy prices; educational disadvantage and unequal access to continuous training and lifelong learning; financial education and access to basic financial services; digital divide and social exclusion; active ageing and intergenerational solidarity.
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Il-ftuħ ta’ l-OMC Soċjali għal kwistjonijiet trasversali żied b’mod viżibbli r-rilevanza u l-impatt tiegħu, u witta t-triq għal koordinazzjoni orizzontali aħjar. Bejn il-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali u Kumitati rilevanti oħra, inkluż il-Kumitat ta’ l-Impjiegi u l-Kumitat tal-Politika Ekonomika, ġiet stabbilita kooperazzjoni li ħalliet il-frott u din għandha tissaħħaħ iżjed. L-istess jista’ jingħad għall-proċess li għadu għaddej fl-iżvilupp ta’ sinerġiji ma’ oqsma ta’ politika relatati mill-qrib, bħalma huma l-OMC dwar l-Edukazzjoni u t-Taħriġ, l-Istrateġija dwar is-Saħħa ta’ l-UE[7] u l-Aġenda Ewropea għall-Integrazzjoni tal-Migranti. Il-Kummissjoni se tesplora wkoll metodi sabiex issaħħaħ il-koordinazzjoni bejn il-KPS u Kumitati oħra u gruppi ta’ Livell Għoli; din se tiżgura wkoll l-effiċjenza tal-grupp permanenti tagħha ta’ bejn is-servizzi għall-integrazzjoni ta’ l-inklużjoni soċjali u l-ħarsien soċjali.
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The opening of the Social OMC to cross-cutting issues has visibly increased its relevance and impact, and paved the way to better horizontal coordination. Fruitful cooperation between the Social Protection Committee and other relevant Committees, including the Employment Committee and the Economic Policy Committee, has been established and should be further strengthened. The same is true for the ongoing process of developing synergies with closely related policy areas, such as the OMC on Education and Training, the EU Health Strategy[7] and the European Agenda for the Integration of Migrants. The Commission will further explore ways to reinforce the coordination between the SPC and other Committees and High-Level groups; it will also ensure the efficiency of its own permanent inter-service group for mainstreaming social inclusion and social protection.
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3.3 Insaħħu l-għodod analitiċi
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3.3. Reinforcing the analytical tools
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Il-programm PROGRESS se jappoġġja t-tisħiħ tal- kapaċità statistika u tal-ġbir tad-dejta , partikolarment f’oqsma fejn jeżisti nuqqas ta’ dejta komparabbli jew fejn din hija insuffiċjenti. Pereżempju, l-istħarriġ mifrux ma’ l-UE li hemm fis-seħħ għandu jiġi rivedut sabiex ikopri l-privazzjoni materjali (inkluża l-esklużjoni diġitali), il-ġid tal-familja, is-sitwazzjoni tal-migranti, it-tranżizzjoni mill-impjieg għall-irtirar; sabiex tinġabar dejta dwar il-medja tal-ħajja skond l-istat soċjo-ekonomiku; u sabiex itejjeb id-disponibbiltà u l-analiżi ta’ dejta sparpaljata skond is-sess.
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The PROGRESS programme will support the enhancement of statistical capacity and data collection , particularly in areas where comparable data are lacking or insufficient. For example, existing EU-wide surveys must be reviewed in order better to cover material deprivation (including digital exclusion), household wealth, the situation of migrants, the transition from work to retirement; to collect data on life expectancy by socio-economic status; and to improve the availability and analysis of data disaggregated by gender.
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Il-programm PROGRESS se jappoġġja wkoll l-Istħarriġ dwar is-Saħħa, it-Tixjiħ u l-Irtirar u l-Istħarriġ dwar il-Familja Ewropea, kif ukoll analiżi profonda dwar suġġetti speċifiċi, li jgħinu lill-Istati Membri sabiex itejbu l-politiki tagħhom f’oqsma li huma partikolarment kritiċi. Involviment akbar tal-komunità xjentifika u rabtiet aktar b’saħħithom ma’ attivitajiet ta’ riċerka oħra li għadhom għaddejjin , fi ħdan il-Kummissjoni u organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali, se jikkontribwixxu aktar sabiex jiġu żviluppati politiki bbażati fuq l-għerf u l-evidenza.
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The PROGRESS programme will also support the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement and the new European Household Survey, as well as in-depth analysis of specific subjects, helping Member States improve their policies in particularly critical areas. Greater involvement of the scientific community and stronger links with other ongoing research activities , within the Commission and international organisations, will further contribute to developing knowledge- and evidence-based policies.
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3.4 Pussess imtejjeb permezz ta’ reviżjonijiet mill-pari ( peer reviews ), tagħlim reċiproku u bl-involviment ta’ l-atturi rilevanti kollha
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3.4. Better ownership through peer reviews, mutual learning and involvement of all relevant actors
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Reviżjonijiet mill-pari
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Peer reviews
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Ir-reviżjonijiet mill-pari wrew li kienu eżerċizzji utli u inkoraġġanti sabiex jissaħħaħ it-tagħlim reċiproku. Dawn għandhom jintużaw b’mod aktar estensiv fl-OMC Soċjali u f’manjiera aktar strateġika. Informazzjoni aħjar dwar il-kuntest, bażi analitika aktar b’saħħitha u disseminazzjoni aktar wiesgħa tar-riżultati jikkontribwixxu għall-identifikazzjoni ta’ prattiki tajbin u sabiex jiffaċilitaw it-trasferiment tal-politika. Li jiġi żgurat involviment akbar ta’ uffiċjali fuq livelli lokali u reġjonali fir-reviżjonijiet mill-pari wkoll għandu jkun importanti. Il-Kummissjoni, flimkien mal-Kumitat tal-Ħarsien Soċjali, se jeżaminaw kif jaġġornaw il-modalitajiet tar-reviżjonijiet mill-pari tas-sessjoni 2009.
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Peer reviews have proved to be useful and enriching exercises for enhancing mutual learning. They should be used more extensively in the Social OMC and in a more strategic manner. Better context information, a stronger analytical base and broader dissemination of the results would contribute to the identification of good practices and facilitate policy transfer. Ensuring greater involvement in peer reviews of officials at local and regional levels will also be important. The Commission, together with the Social Protection Committee, will examine how to upgrade the modalities of the 2009 round of peer reviews.
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Għodod ġodda għat-tagħlim reċiproku
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New tools for mutual learning
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Il-programm PROGRESS joffri appoġġ sabiex jiġu ppruvati għodod ġodda għat-tagħlim reċiproku u sabiex jiġu skambjati l-aħjar prattiki, pereżempju proġetti għall-ippuljar temporanju u għat-trasferiment ta’ esperti bejn l-Istati Membri; taħriġ dwar l-ippjanar strateġiku, l-integrazzjoni, il-koordinazzjoni, u l-involviment tal-partijiet interessati, is-sorveljanza u l-valutazzjoni fil-proċess ta’ l-OMC Soċjali. PROGRESS jista’ jgħin ukoll fl-iżvilupp ta’ l-"esperimentazzjoni soċjali" bħala mezz sabiex jiġu ppruvati ideat innovattivi qabel ma wieħed jimpenja ruħu fi programmi soċjali ta’ skala kbira, pereżempju fil-qasam tad-dħul minimu, il-benefiċċji tat-tfal, jew il-kura għal perjodu twil; il-programm għandu jappoġġja l-istudju, it-tixrid u l-valutazzjoni ta’ proġetti li jikkonċernaw l-esperimentazzjoni soċjali.
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The PROGRESS programme offers support for the testing of new tools for mutual learning and exchange of best practices, e.g. projects for temporary pooling and transfer of expertise between Member States; training on strategic planning, mainstreaming, coordination, involvement of stakeholders, monitoring and evaluation in the Social OMC process. PROGRESS can also help the development of "social experimentation" as a way to test innovative ideas before engaging in large-scale social programmes, for example in the field of minimum income, child benefits, or long-term care; the programme will support the study, the dissemination and the evaluation of social experimentation projects.
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L-involviment ta’ atturi lokali
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Involvement of all relevant actors
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L-awtoritajiet reġjonali u lokali għandhom ikunu involuti aħjar fil-ħarsien soċjali u fl-inklużjoni soċjali; l-involviment tagħhom fil-proċess jibqa’ limitat f’ħafna mill-Istati Membri. Diversi pajjiżi għamlu progress sostanzjali fl-involviment tas-soċjetà ċivili u tal-partijiet interessati fil-fażi ta’ l-ippjanar tal-politika, iżda dan rarament jitkompla fil-fażi ta’ l-implimentazzjoni. L-esperjenza turi li l-koordinazzjoni u l-parteċipazzjoni ta’ l-atturi rilevanti fiċ-ċiklu sħiħ tal-politika huma essenzjali għall-implimentazzjoni effettiva. Il-Kummissjoni tipproponi li tagħmel aktar dawn l-aspetti ta’ tmexxija bħala s-suġġett ta’ sforzi ta’ tagħlim reċiproku fi ħdan l-OMC Soċjali. Fuq din il-bażi, il-Kummissjoni għandha tiżviluppa linji ta’ gwida volontarji għall-Istati Membri.
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Regional and local authorities should be better involved in the EU process for social protection and social inclusion. At present their involvement remains limited in most Member States. Several countries have made considerable progress in involving civil society and other relevant stakeholders in the policy planning phase, but this is rarely continued into the implementation phase. Experience shows that coordination and participation of relevant actors throughout the full policy cycle are essential for effective implementation. The Commission proposes to make these governance aspects increasingly the subject of mutual learning efforts within the Social OMC. On this basis the Commission will develop voluntary guidelines for Member States.
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4. TAQSIRA U KONKLUżJONI
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4. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
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Sabiex isir użu sħiħ mill-potenzjal ta’ l-OMC Soċjali, il-Komunikazzjoni preżenti stabbiliet numru ta’ oqsma fejn il-metodu jista’ jitjieb, jissaħħaħ jew jiġi żviluppat aktar. Dawn il-miżuri jduru madwar erba’ għanijiet: l-ewwel, li jiżdiedu l-impenn politiku u l-viżibbiltà tal-proċess; it-tieni, li tissaħħaħ l-interazzjoni pożittiva ma’ politiki oħra ta’ l-UE; it-tielet, li jissaħħu l-għodod analitiċi li jsaħħu l-proċess, bil-ħsieb li wieħed jimxi lejn id-definizzjoni ta’ miri kwantifikati u li jissaħħaħ it-tfassil tal-politika bbażata fuq l-evidenza; ir-raba’, li tiżdied l-appartenenza fl-Istati Membri, billi jissaħħu l-implimentazzjoni kif ukoll it-tagħlim reċiproku.
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In order to make full use of the potential of the Social OMC, the present Communication has set out a number of areas where the method can be improved, reinforced or further developed. These measures revolve around four objectives: first, increasing political commitment and the visibility of the process; second, strengthening the positive interaction with other EU policies; third, reinforcing the analytical tools underpinning the process, with a view to moving towards the definition of quantified targets and enhancing evidence-based policymaking; fourth, increasing ownership in Member States, by boosting implementation and enhancing mutual learning.
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Uħud mill-miżuri jwasslu sabiex jiġu kkonsolidati l-prattiki eżistenti. Oħrajn, partikolarment l-istabbiliment tal-miri, jimplikaw bidliet aktar sostanzjali u jeħtieġu l-bini ta’ kunsens bejn l-Istati Membri u l-partijiet interessati. Għalhekk, il-Kummissjoni tipprevedi metodu gradwali li s-sekwenzjalità u l-prijoritizzazzjoni meħtieġa tiegħu għandhom jiġu diskussi ma’ l-Istati Membri u ma’ partijiet interessati ewlenin oħra.
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Some of the measures amount to a consolidation of existing practices. Others, in particular target setting, imply more substantial changes and will require consensus-building among Member States and stakeholders. Therefore, the Commission envisages a gradual approach of which the sequencing and the necessary prioritisation will be discussed with Member States and other key stakeholders.
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OMC imsaħħaħ fil-qasam tal-ħarsien soċjali u ta’ l-inklużjoni soċjali għandu jforni kontribuzzjoni importanti għall-implimentazzjoni ta’ Aġenda Soċjali Mġedda u għandu jsaħħaħ l-impenn imġedded għal Ewropa soċjali.
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A reinforced OMC in the field of social protection and social inclusion will provide an important contribution to the implementation of the Renewed Social Agenda and will underpin the renewed commitment to social Europe.
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ANNESS 1
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ANNEX 1
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L-GĦANIJIET TA’ L-OMC GĦALL-ĦARSIEN SOĊJALI U
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OBJECTIVES OF THE OMC FOR SOCIAL PROTECION
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L-INKLUŻJONI SOĊJALI
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AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
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L-għanijiet li jolqtu bosta oqsma ta’ l-OMC għall-ħarsien soċjali u l-inklużjoni soċjali huma li jippromwovu:
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The overarching objectives of the OMC for social protection and social inclusion are to promote:
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- (a) il-koeżjoni soċjali, l-ugwaljanza bejn l-irġiel u n-nisa u opportunitajiet indaqs għal kulħadd permezz ta’ sistemi ta’ ħarsien soċjali u politiki ta’ inklużjoni soċjali li jkunu adegwati, aċċessibbli, finanzjarjament sostenibbli, adattabbli u effiċjenti;
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- (a) social cohesion, equality between men and women and equal opportunities for all through adequate, accessible, financially sustainable, adaptable and efficient social protection systems and social inclusion policies;
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- (b) l-interazzjoni effettiva u reċiproka bejn l-għanijiet ta’ Liżbona għal aktar tkabbir ekonomiku, iktar impjiegi li jkunu wkoll aħjar kif ukoll koeżjoni soċjali akbar, u ma’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Żvilupp Sostenibbli ta’ l-UE;
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- (b) effective and mutual interaction between the Lisbon objectives of greater economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and with the EU's Sustainable Development Strategy;
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- (c) tmexxija tajba, trasparenza u l-involviment tal-partijiet interessati fit-tfassil, fl-implimentazzjoni u fil-monitoraġġ tal-politika.
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- (c) good governance, transparency and the involvement of stakeholders in the design, implementation and monitoring of policy.
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L-għanijiet li ġejjin japplikaw għall-faxex differenti tax-xogħol:
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The following objectives apply to the different strands of work:
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Impatt deċiżiv rigward il-qerda tal-faqar u l-esklużjoni soċjali billi jiġi żgurat:
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A decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion by ensuring:
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- (d) aċċess għal kulħadd għar-riżorsi, għad-drittijiet u għas-servizzi meħtieġa għall-parteċipazzjoni fis-soċjetà, filwaqt li tiġi evitata u indirizzata l-esklużjoni, u ssir ġlieda kontra l-forom kollha ta’ diskriminazzjoni li jwasslu għall-esklużjoni;
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- (d) access for all to the resources, rights and services needed for participation in society, preventing and addressing exclusion, and fighting all forms of discrimination leading to exclusion;
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- (e) l-inklużjoni soċjali attiva ta’ kulħadd, kemm billi tiġi mħeġġa l-parteċipazzjoni fis-suq tax-xogħol kif ukoll billi jiġu miġġielda l-faqar u l-esklużjoni;
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- (e) the active social inclusion of all, both by promoting participation in the labour market and by fighting poverty and exclusion;
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- (f) li l-politiki ta’ l-inklużjoni soċjali jkunu kkoordinati tajjeb u jinvolvu l-livelli kollha ta’ gvern u atturi rilevanti, inkluż persuni li qed jgħixu fil-faqar, li dawn ikunu effiċjenti u effettivi u integrati fil-politiki pubbliċi rilevanti kollha, inkluż politiki ekonomiċi, baġitarji, ta’ edukazzjoni u taħriġ, kif ukoll fi programmi ta’ fondi strutturali (partikolarment l-ESF).
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- (f) that social inclusion policies are well-coordinated and involve all levels of government and relevant actors, including people experiencing poverty, that they are efficient and effective and mainstreamed into all relevant public policies, including economic, budgetary, education and training policies and structural fund (notably ESF) programmes.
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Pensjonijiet adegwati u sostenibbli billi jiġi żgurat:
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Adequate and sustainable pensions by ensuring:
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- (g) dħul ta’ l-irtirar adegwat għal kulħadd u aċċess għall-pensjonijiet li jippermettu lil persuni sabiex iżommu, b’mod raġonevoli, il-livell ta’ l-għajxien tagħhom wara li jirtiraw, fl-ispirtu tas-solidarjetà u l-ġustizzja bejn u fil-ġenerazzjonijiet;
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- (g) adequate retirement incomes for all and access to pensions which allow people to maintain, to a reasonable degree, their living standard after retirement, in the spirit of solidarity and fairness between and within generations;
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- (h) is-sostenibbiltà ta’ skemi ta’ pensjonijiet pubbliċi u privati, li jikkunsidraw il-pressjonijiet fuq il-finanzi pubbliċi kif ukoll it-tixjiħ tal-popolazzjonijiet, u fil-kuntest ta’ l-istrateġija minn tliet naħat sabiex jiġu ttrattati l-implikazzjonijiet baġitarji tat-tixjiħ, partikolarment billi: jiġu appoġġjati ħajja ta’ xogħol itwal u t-tixjiħ attiv; billi jiġu bbilanċjati l-kontribuzzjonijiet u l-benefiċċji f’manjiera xierqa u soċjalment ġusta; u billi titmexxa ’l quddiem l-affordabbiltà u s-sigurtà ta’ skemi finanzjati u privati;
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- (h) the financial sustainability of public and private pension schemes, bearing in mind pressures on public finances and the ageing of populations, and in the context of the three-pronged strategy for tackling the budgetary implications of ageing, notably by: supporting longer working lives and active ageing; by balancing contributions and benefits in an appropriate and socially fair manner; and by promoting the affordability and the security of funded and private schemes;
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- (i) li s-sistemi tal-pensjonijiet ikunu trasparenti, adattati tajjeb għall-ħtiġijiet u għall-aspirazzjonijiet tan-nisa u l-irġiel, u għar-rekwiżiti ta’ soċjetajiet moderni, għat-tixjiħ demografiku u għall-bidla strutturali; li persuni jirċievu l-informazzjoni meħtieġa sabiex jippjanaw l-irtirar tagħhom u li r-riformi jitwettqu fuq il-bażi ta’ l-iktar kunsens wiesa’ possibbli.
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- (i) that pension systems are transparent, well adapted to the needs and aspirations of women and men and the requirements of modern societies, demographic ageing and structural change; that people receive the information they need to plan their retirement and that
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Kura tas-saħħa u kura għal perjodu twil aċċessibbli, ta’ kwalità għolja u sostenibbli billi jiġi żgurat:
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- reforms are conducted on the basis of the broadest possible consensus.
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- (j) aċċess għal kulħadd għal kura tas-saħħa u għal kura għal perjodu twil li jkunu adegwati u li l-ħtieġa għall-kura ma twassalx għall-faqar u għad-dipendenza finanzjarja; u li l-inugwaljanzi fl-aċċess għall-kura u fl-effetti fuq is-saħħa jiġu indirizzati;
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Accessible, high-quality and sustainable healthcare and long-term care by
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- (k) il-kwalità fis-saħħa u fil-kura għal perjodu twil u billi l-kura tiġi adattata, inkluż billi tiġi żviluppata kura preventiva, għall-ħtiġijiet li qed jinbidlu u għall-preferenzi tas-soċjetà u ta’ l-individwi, partikolarment billi jiġu żviluppati standards ta’ kwalità li jirriflettu l-aħjar prattika internazzjonali u billi tissaħħaħ ir-responsabbiltà tal-professjonisti fil-qasam tas-saħħa kif ukoll tal-pazjenti u ta’ dawk kollha li jieħdu l-kura;
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ensuring:
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- (l) li kura tas-saħħa u kura għal perjodu twil li jkunu adegwati u ta’ kwalità għolja jibqgħu li wieħed jiflaħ għalihom u finanzjarjament sostenibbli billi jitmexxa ’l quddiem l-użu razzjonali tar-riżorsi, partikolarment permezz ta’ inċentivi xierqa għall-utenti u l-fornituri, tmexxija u koordinazzjoni tajba bejn is-sistemi tal-kura u l-istituzzjonijiet privati. Is-sostenibbiltà għal perjodu twil u l-kwalità jeħtieġu l-promozzjoni ta’ stili ta’ ħajja tajbin għas-saħħa u attivi kif ukoll riżorsi umani tajbin għas-settur tal-kura.
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- (j) access for all to adequate health and long-term care and that the need for care does not lead to poverty and financial dependency; and that inequities in access to care and in health outcomes are addressed;
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ANNESS 2
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- (k) quality in health and long-term care and by adapting care, including developing preventive care, to the changing needs and preferences of society and individuals, notably by developing quality standards reflecting best international practice and by strengthening the responsibility of health professionals and of patients and care recipients;
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INDIKATURI LI JOLQTU BOSTA OQSMA GĦAS-SORVELJANZA TA’ L-OMC SOĊJALI
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- (l) that adequate and high quality health and long-term care remains affordable and financially sustainable by promoting a rational use of resources, notably through appropriate incentives for users and providers, good governance and coordination between care systems and public and private institutions. Long-term sustainability and quality require the promotion of healthy and active life styles and good human resources for the care sector.
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1a – Ir-rata fir-riskju ta’ faqar (total, tfal u anzjani) + livell minimu illustrattiv – l-UE Is-sehem ta’ persuni bi dħul taħt is-60% tad-dħul medju nazzjonali[8].
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ANNEX 2
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1b – Id-distakk medju relattiv fir-riskju ta’ faqar – l-UE Id-differenza bejn l-introjtu medju ta’ persuni li qed jgħixu taħt il-livell minimu tar-riskju ta’ faqar u l-livell minimu nnifsu, imfisser bħala persentaġġ tal-livell minimu tar-riskju ta’ faqar.
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OVERARCHING INDICATORS FOR MONITORING THE SOCIAL OMC
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1c – Ir-rata persistenti ta’ dawk li huma f’riskju ta’ faqar (disponibbli biss mill-2010 ’il quddiem) – l-UE Persuni li huma f’riskju ta’ faqar fis-sena kurrenti u mill-inqas sentejn matul it-tliet snin ta’ qabel.
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1a - At-risk-of-poverty rate (total, children and elderly) + Illustrative threshold value – EU Share of people with an income below 60% of the national median income[8].
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2 – L-inugwaljanza fid-distribuzzjoni tad-dħul (S80/S20) – l-UE Il-proporzjon ta’ l-introjtu totali li tkun irċeviet 20% tal-popolazzjoni tal-pajjiż bl-ogħla dħul għal dak li tkun irċeviet l-20% tal-popolazzjoni tal-pajjiż bl-inqas dħul.
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1b - Relative median poverty risk gap – EU Difference between the median income of people living below the at-risk-of poverty threshold and the threshold itself, expressed as a percentage of the at-risk-of poverty threshold.
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3 – Stennija tal-ħajja b’saħħitha – NAT In-numru ta’ snin li persuna meta titwieled, ta’ 45 sena, ta’ 65 sena tkun għadha mistennija li tgħix f’kundizzjoni ta’ saħħa (mhux imfixkla f’attivitajiet ta’ ħajja ta’ kuljum). Din trid tiġi interpretata b’mod konġunt ma’ l-istennija tal-ħajja
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1c - Persistent at-risk-of poverty rate (only available from 2010 onwards) – EU Persons at-risk-of poverty in the current year and at least 2 years during the previous 3 years.
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4 – Dawk li jħallu l-iskola kmieni – l-UE Is-sehem ta’ persuni bejn it-18 sa 24 sena li jkollhom biss edukazzjoni sekondarja inferjuri u ma jkunux ħadu edukazzjoni jew taħriġ fl-erba’ ġimgħat qabel l-istħarriġ.
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2 - Inequality of income distribution (S80/S20) – EU Ratio of the total income received by the 20% of the country's population with the highest income to that received by the 20% of the country's population with the lowest income.
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5 – Persuni li jgħixu f’familji mingħajr impjieg – l-UE Is-sehem ta’ adulti (18-59 u mhux studenti) u tfal li jgħixu f’famlji fejn ħadd ma jaħdem
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3 - Healthy life expectancy – NAT Number of years that a person at birth, at 45, at 65 is still expected to live in a healthy condition (not hampered in activities of daily living).To be interpreted jointly with life expectancy
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6 – L-infiq soċjali pubbliku totali proġettat – NAT Projezzjonijiet relatati ma’ l-età ta’ l-infiq soċjali pubbliku totali (pensjonijiet, kura tas-saħħa, kura għal perjodu twil, edukazzjoni u trasferimenti tal-qgħad), il-livell kurrenti u l-bidla proġettata fis-sehem tal-PGD
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4 - Early school leavers – EU Share of persons aged 18 to 24 who have only lower secondary education and have not received education or training in the four weeks preceding the survey.
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7a – L-introjtu relattiv medju ta’ persuni anzjani – l-UE L-introjtu medju ta’ persuni li għandhom iktar minn 65 sena bħala proporzjon ta’ l-introjtu medju ta’ persuni li għandhom bejn 0-64 sena
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5 - People living in jobless households – EU Share of adults (18-59 and not student) and children living in households where no one works
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7b – Il-proporzjon tas-sostituzzjoni aggregat – l-UE Il-pensjonijiet individwali medji ta’ persuni bejn 65-74 sena relattivi għall-introjtu individwali medju ta’ persuni bejn 50-59 sena, esklużi l-benefiċċji soċjali
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6 - Projected Total Public Social expenditures – NAT Age-related projections of total public social expenditures (pensions, health care, long-term care, education and unemployment transfers), current level and projected change in share of GDP
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8 – Il-ħtieġa mhux milħuqa awto-rappurtata għall-kura medika – NAT + l-utilizzazzjoni tal-kura – NAT It-total ta’ ħtieġa mhux milħuqa awto-rappurtata għall-kura medika minħabba "ostakli finanzjarji" jew "perjodi sabiex tistenna" jew "’il bogħod wisq biex tivvjaġġa", skond il-livell tad-dħul. Dan irid jiġi analizzat flimkien man-numru ta’ żjajjar għand it-tabib jew speċjalista matul l-aħħar 12-il xahar.
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7a - Median relative income of elderly people – EU Median income of people aged 65+ as a ratio of median income of people aged 0-64
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9 - Ir-rata fir-riskju ta’ faqar ankrata f’mument partikolari ta’ żmien – l-UE Is-sehem ta’ persuni b’introjtu taħt il-livell minimu tar-rata fir-riskju ta’ faqar ikkalkulat fis-sena tad-dħul 2004, aġġustat għall-inflazzjoni tul is-snin.
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7b - Aggregate replacement ratio – EU Median individual pensions of 65-74 relative to median individual earnings of 50-59, excluding other social benefits
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10 – Ir-rata ta’ l-impjiegi ta’ ħaddiema anzjani – l-UE Persuni li huma impjegati li jaqgħu fi gruppi ta’ 55 - 59 u 60 – 64 sena bħala parti mill-istess grupp ta’ età
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8 - Self reported unmet need for medical care – NAT + Care utilisation – NAT Total self-reported unmet need for medical care due to "financial barriers" or "waiting times" or "too far to travel", by income quintile. To be analysed together with the number of visits to a GP or specialist during the last 12 months.
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11 – Ħaddiema f’riskju ta’ fqar – l-UE Individwi li huma klassifikati bħala impjegati u li huma f’riskju ta’ faqar.
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9 - At-risk-of-poverty rate anchored at a fixed moment in time – EU Share of people with an income below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold calculated in income year 2004, adjusted for inflation over the years.
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12 – Ir-rata ta’ l-attività – l-UE Is-sehem ta’ persuni impjegati jew qiegħda f’popolazzjoni totali ta’ età li tista’ taħdem (15-64 sena)
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10 - Employment rate of older workers – EU Persons in employment in age groups 55 - 59 and 60 – 64 as a share of the same age group
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13 – Id-disparitajiet reġjonali – il-koeffiċjent tal-varjazzjoni fir-rati ta’ l-impjieg – NAT Id-devjazzjoni standard tar-rati reġjonali ta’ l-impjieg diviżi bil-medja nazzjonali mwieżna.
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11 - In-work poverty risk – EU Individuals who are classified as employed and who are at risk of poverty.
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14 – In-nefqa totali għas-saħħa per capita – NAT In-nefqa totali għas-saħħa per capita f’PPP
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12 - Activity rate – EU Share of employed and unemployed people in total population of working age 15-64
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[1] Ara l-Istima ta’ l-Impatt għad-dettalji.
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13 - Regional disparities – coefficient of variation of employment rates – NAT Standard deviation of regional employment rates divided by the weighted national average.
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[2] L-Istima ta’ l-Impatt tikkunsidra sew id-dibattitu xjentifiku u pubbliku dwar l-OMC Soċjali.
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14 - Total health expenditure per capita – NAT Total health expenditure per capita in PPP
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[3] Naħdmu flimkien, naħdmu aħjar: Qafas ġdid għall-koordinazzjoni miftuħa tal-ħarsien soċjali u tal-politiki ta’ inklużjoni fl-Unjoni Ewropea, COM(2005) 706 finali.
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[1] See the Impact Assessment for details.
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[4] Ir-Reviżjoni tas-Suq Uniku ta’ Novembru 2007 ukoll saħqet dwar dan il-metodu integrat, filwaqt li enfasizzat li l-ftuħ tas-suq u r-riformi soċjali jistgħu u għandhom imorru flimkien. Ara: Suq uniku għall-Ewropa tas-Seklu 21. COM(2007) 724 finali, ta’ l-20.11.2007.
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[2] The Impact Assessment gives large account of the scientific and public debate on the Social OMC.
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[5] http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/social_protection_en.htm
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[3] Working together, working better: A new framework for the open coordination of social protection and inclusion policies in the European Union, COM(2005) 706 final.
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[6] L-Artikolu 3(2) tat-Trattat tal-KE jeħtieġ li l-UE telimina l-inugwaljanzi, u li tippromwovi l-ugwaljanza, bejn in-nisa u l-irġiel fl-attivitajiet kollha tagħha.
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[4] The Single Market Review of November 2007 also called for such an integrated approach, highlighting that market opening and social reforms can and should go hand in hand. See: A single market for 21st century Europe. COM(2007) 724 final, 20.11.2007.
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[7] L-indikatur tas-snin ta’ ħajja b’saħħitha fl-istrateġija ta’ Liżbona huwa eżempju ta’ l-integrazzjoni tad-dimensjonijiet soċjali u ekonomiċi ta’ saħħa aħjar.
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[5] http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/social_protection_en.htm
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[8] Sakemm ma jkunx speċifikat mod ieħor, l-indikaturi tal-faqar f’din il-lista huma relatati ma’ l-introjtu disponibbli ekwivalizzat tal-familji, definit bħala l-introjtu disponibbli totali tal-familja (wara l-benefiċċji u t-taxxi) aġġustat sabiex jiġu kkunsidrati d-daqs u l-kompożizzjoni tagħha. Ara l-lista sħiħa ta’ indikaturi fuq: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/common_indicators_en.htm
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[6] Article 3(2) of the EC Treaty requires the EU to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between women and men in all its activities.
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[7] The healthy life years indicator in the Lisbon strategy is an example of the integration of the social and economic dimensions of better health.
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[8] Unless otherwise specified, poverty indicators in this list relate to the equivalised disposable income of households defined as the household's total disposable income (after benefits and taxes) adjusted to take account of its size and composition. See full list of indicators at:http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/common_indicators_en.htm
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