Last weekend (8 March) there was an interview with Commissioner Marianne Thyssen in a Belgian review, Knack. In response to the question “How are you going to stimulate the social dimension? the Commissioner responded: “When we present the yearly recommendations or reform programmes to the countries, more than ever we will focus on social indicators such as inequality and poverty. A country that performs well economically but faces high numbers in poverty can expect a remark. The European Social Fund, with 86 billion EUR, remains an important pillar. Member-States can count on those funds for projects with regards to training, employment, the fight against poverty and social protection. Youth unemployment is an absolute priority. These is a special fund for this.”

You can find the whole interview in Dutch here.

Nicola Caputo (Italian MEP S&D ) asks question regarding what the Commission intends to introduce minimum basic income.

Read further to see the full question and the response of Commissioner Thyssen. Continue reading →