At the invitation of the representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, George Bogdanov from the National Network for Children participated in a public discussion Civic dialogue on July 23th, 2013. The event was organized at the occasion of the visit in Sofia of the European Commission’s Vice-president Viviane Reding. George Bogdanov asked two questions:
1. Given the negative impact that many austerity measures are having on children’s well-being, we are particularly interested in the Commissioner’s views whether in National Reform Programmes Member States should be asked to carry out ex ante and ex-post impact assessment to determine the effect that all policy measures (including macroeconomic and financial measures) will have on children and in particular on those children at the greatest risk of severe poverty and social exclusion. We believe, these would be important tools to assess potential policies before they are introduced and monitor the actual impact they have after being put in place. Moreover, indicators of child poverty should be particularly taken into account to establish a balanced social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union.
2. Unfortunately, we continue observing very limited consultation with civil society organisations in general and organisations working with children and children themselves. Given that 2013 is the European Year of the Citizen, what is the Commissioner opinion on developing standards or guidelines for the involvement of stakeholders in the social dimensions of the Europe 2020 process and monitoring their implementation by Member States.
Photo: 24chasa.bg
