"Greens have always been in favour of a strong social Europe."

View online version [1]

[EGP Logo] [2]

Hi John!

 

Today is Labour Day, and in many European countries it means a day off to
celebrate the achievements of the workers’ movement and to advocate for
better working conditions worldwide.

 

As Greens, our commitment to workers’ rights and engagement towards trade
unions is an essential part of our DNA. At every level, from local
governments to the European Parliament, we promote legislation that
improves working conditions and reduces inequality.

 

In today’s special newsletter edition, we will be exploring an example of
one of those policies that Greens in the European Parliament are fighting
for. In our interview with GREEN MEP SARA MATTHIEU we discuss the Minimum
Income initiative. This initiative aims to ensure that no one in the EU
must live below the poverty line.

 

Sara is a member of our Belgian member party, Groen, and had a key role as
the rapporteur for the resolution on minimum income which was adopted by
the European Parliament in March.

 

Enjoy the read!

INTERVIEW

"This was a real victory!"

EGP: BEFORE WE START TALKING ABOUT THE MINIMUM INCOME RESOLUTION THAT YOU
WORKED ON, CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINIMUM WAGE AND
MINIMUM INCOME?

 

SARA MATTHIEU: Indeed, minimum wage and minimum income are often confused.
The difference is that a wage is linked to a job.

It is the remuneration one gets in return for carrying out a job in the
labour market. Whereas the minimum income is a financial support for people
who are - temporary or structurally - outside the labour market.

 

What they have in common is that both are established in all the member
states and that in most of the cases, they are not high enough to guarantee
a decent standard of living.

 

IS THERE AN EU WIDE RULE ABOUT THE MINIMUM WAGE?

 

The EU has recently adopted a directive for the minimum wages to be raised
to the level of so-called ‘living’ wages. A living wage is a wage that
provides enough to rent a house, pay the bills, buy food, etc.

"The impact of the directive cannot be underestimated: 25 million workers
in the EU will enjoy a wage increase of 20 %."

WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE MEAN FOR WORKERS?

 

The impact of the directive cannot be underestimated: 25 million workers in
the EU will enjoy a wage increase of 20 %. I hope that the member states
will transpose this directive as soon as possible; this is one of the best
solutions to address the current cost-of-living crisis.

 

OK, NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT MINIMUM INCOME. WHAT DID THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
PROPOSE?

 

In its proposal [3] from September 2022, the European Commission
acknowledges that minimum income should be set minimally at the national
poverty line. But it only issues non-binding ‘recommendations’ to the
EU member states. In the past, EU governments failed to follow them, so why
would they suddenly change their policies to live up to standards that
aren’t even mandatory? 

 

WHAT DO THE GREENS WANT?

 

As Greens we call for a directive on minimum income. We need a directive
that raises the minimum income at least to the national poverty line in all
member states, which is 60 % of the national median income. 

"THIS VOTE WAS A REAL VICTORY. FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
HAS CALLED FOR BINDING EU-LEGISLATION ON THE NATIONAL MINIMUM INCOME."

IN MARCH, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTED IN FAVOUR OF A RESOLUTION TO CHANGE
THE EU LEGISLATION TO A BINDING DIRECTIVE. WHY WAS THIS PROCESS SO SPECIAL?

 

This vote was a real victory. For the first time, the European Parliament
has called for binding EU legislation on the national minimum income. This
is an utmost important step towards a more social Europe. The lesson learnt
is that you never give up. We will keep explaining why we need binding
measures on minimum incomes above the poverty line.

 

WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A BINDING MINIMUM INCOME DIRECTIVE?

 

First, it would benefit groups who are more likely to face higher levels of
financial instability and discrimination, such as single parents, people
who are long-term unemployed, people with disabilities or long-term
illnesses, etc.  

 

On top of that, every single one of us can get in trouble at some point of
our life and need support. We can become unable to work, sick or depressed.

Women, for instance, often take up informal care for relatives. They have
often not been able to build up social rights. If, at some point in their
lives, they want to make a shift and go back to the labour market, they
often need means to bridge a period in which they are looking for a job or
take up education. This is what a minimum income can do.

[4]

THE GREENS LARGELY VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE MINIMUM INCOME INCREASE, WHILE
CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS WERE DIVIDED. WHY ARE SOME PARTIES HESITANT TO
SUPPORT A MINIMUM INCOME THAT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS?

 

Opponents of a stronger EU policy in the social field often argue that
social policy is predominantly a national competence, and that the EU
should refrain from it. I disagree.

 

WHY?

 

Catering for the most vulnerable should be the priority of the European
Social Union. In most countries both in-work and out-of-work income
protection are insufficient to prevent poverty. The situation is worrying,
especially in the poorest EU Member States.

"ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS FROM THE AUTUMN EUROBAROMETER, THE RISING COST OF
LIVING IS CURRENTLY THE MOST PRESSING CONCERN FOR 93 % OF EUROPEANS;
FOLLOWED BY POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION ACCOUNTING FOR 82 %."

IN ADDITION TO RAISING THE MINIMUM INCOME, WHAT OTHER STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO
ADDRESS POVERTY AND INEQUALITY IN EUROPE?

 

Poverty is not solely a lack of economic means, but rather a
multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income, access
to essential goods and services, and thus basic conditions to live in
dignity and participate in society. Thus, the EU should address this in a
comprehensive way, by ensuring upwards convergence towards a minimum level
of well-being. This means that the EU should be more active on accessible
and good social services in childcare, long-term care, education, housing,
etc.

 

SOME CRITICISE THAT GREENS YET MUST BUILD A BETTER SOCIAL PROFILE TO ENSURE
THAT GREEN POLICIES BENEFIT EVERYONE. HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THIS CRITICISM?

 

Greens have always been in favour of a strong social Europe. Social
integration and economic integration are intertwined. From the outset we
have advocated that social aspects should be treated the same as economic
aspects. Unfortunately, we see that the economic pillar is way more
developed than the social one. This has never been our political choice.

"Trade unions are key allies in putting social policies high on the
political agenda."

LABOUR DAY MARKS THE DAY OF TRADE UNIONS AND WORKERS. WHAT ROLE DO THEY
PLAY IN THE TRANSITION TO A GREENER AND MORE JUST EUROPE?

 

Trade unions are key allies in putting social policies high on the
political agenda. They possess the credibility to represent workers and
were foundational in conceptualizing the idea of a just transition in which
socio-economic concerns are taken on board when greening our economies.
It’s impossible to impose these changes from the top down, and even if it
were, this would create massive resistance that would grind the transition
to a stop anyway.

 

But they are also instrumental in convincing workers in different
industries that business as usual is not an option. Rather than presenting
this change as a threat, which is understandable but often abused by our
political opponents, there is much to gain in terms of employment
opportunities, improved health and safety and job security long into the
future.

 

THE GREENS/EFA GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RECENTLY PROPOSED A ‘TRUE
EU GREEN AND SOCIAL DEAL’. WHAT SPECIFIC MEASURES ARE INCLUDED IN THIS
PROPOSAL?

 

Indeed, we have recently launched a paper on Just Transition [5] that is
worth reading!

 

As Greens we believe that a transition to ecological sustainability must
go hand in hand with social justice, as they are not only vital to human
prosperity, but complement and reinforce one another.

 

IN THE PAPER, YOU CALL FOR EXPANSION OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL. IN WHAT
WAY?

 

In addition to environmental commitments and objectives, we demand that it
also covers social commitments to make the economic transition work for,
and not despite, each and every person in Europe.

 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN CONCRETELY?

 

There are a lot of concrete measures that need to be taken, both on EU
level and on the national, regional, and local level. They are ranging from
labour market policies, the creation of green and sustainable jobs, and up-
and reskilling workers, to an EU definition of essential goods and services
to which everyone in the EU must have an inalienable right under the Social
Union. Decent housing and affordable health care, for instance, will for
sure be one of those services that way too many Europeans are still
prevented from.

 

THANK YOU FOR THE INTERVIEW!

[6]

ABOUT

Sara Matthieu

Sara Matthieu has been a Belgian Member of the European Parliament since
2020.

 

She is coordinator of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, and
an active member in the Committees of International Trade and Environmental
Affairs.

 

In the parliament, she works mainly on circular economy including
eco-design and social topics such as protection against asbestos,
protection of workers, minimum income and due diligence.

 

FOLLOW SARA ON TWITTER [6]

Our friends at _tilt!_ are also concerned about the well-being of workers.
Therefore, they are launching a campaign for the 4-day work week. Take a
look and sign their petition today!

TILT! PETITION

SIGN OUR PETITION FOR THE 4-DAY WORK WEEK!

[7]

IT’S TIME FOR A 4-DAY WORK WEEK! Studies have shown that a 4-day work
week leads to improved worker well-being, better health for families, and
even increased productivity in the workplace.

 

By signing our petition to European Ministers of Labour and Employment, we
can make a collective impact towards making this change happen across
Europe.

 

Sign our petition today and let's work towards a strategy of reduced
working hours with the same pay for all!

Sign now!

Upcoming Events

*
02 – 03 Jun | 37th EGP Congress (Extra-Ordinary), Vienna

[2]

Take charge of your future.
Donate Green.

DONATE NOW [8]

If you enjoy reading our updates, consider forwarding this newsletter [9]
to a friend or colleague or inviting them to subscribe [10].

[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]

European Greens © 2023
Funded by the European Parliament. Sole liability remains with the author.

Unsubscribe [17] | Manage your subscription preferences [18]



Links:
------
[1] [link removed]
[2] [link removed]
[3] [link removed]
[4] [link removed]
[5] [link removed]
[6] [link removed]
[7] [link removed]
[8] [link removed]
[9] [link removed]
[10] [link removed]
[11] [link removed]
[12] [link removed]
[13] [link removed]
[14] [link removed]
[15] [link removed]
[16] [link removed]
[17] [link removed]
[18] [link removed]