The active participation of those who are currently prevented from entering the labor market in Europe is a key goal of the European Platform Against Poverty and Social Inclusion, it has been claimed.

According to the European Union (EU) commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, the initiative is looking at ways of raising people out of poverty.

Laszlo Andor told the third Citizen's Agora in Brussels that jobs are an important factor in the region's recovery from the economic crisis, with five million more people currently unemployed than before the downturn began.

He also pointed to problems with young people struggling to find work, contributing to the more than 80 million individuals in the EU determined as at risk of poverty.

A target has been set to lift at least 20 million people out of such a situation by 2020 and member states, EU institutions and stakeholders are being urged to work together on plans proposed by the platform.

The Citizen's Agora was opened by president of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, who stated it is important to expose democracy in the EU to participation from members of the public.

Posted by Alex Donnell