Can Europe deliver on its 2030 promise?

Can Europe deliver on its 2030 promise?

3 March 2026 (17:00-17:40)

Description

This panel discussion examined how Europe can meet its social targets for 2030 and strengthen efforts to fight poverty across the Union. 

Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, highlighted how poverty has evolved in recent years. He warned that work no longer guarantees protection from poverty and stressed the importance of involving people experiencing poverty directly in policymaking. Their lived experience, he argued, is essential to identifying barriers and designing effective solutions. 

Petre-Florin Manole, Minister of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity of Romania, underlined that Europe cannot remain competitive in the long term without tackling poverty. He pointed to minimum wage increases, minimum inclusion income and targeted support for vulnerable groups, supported by EU funds. 

Aleksandra Gajewska, Deputy Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of Poland, stressed the importance of reliable data, targeted policies and adequate resources. Marie Toussaint, Member of the European Parliament, called for stronger social indicators in EU economic governance and for addressing precarious work. Maria Nyman, Secretary General of Caritas Europa, emphasised that rising in-work poverty shows that poverty is a systemic issue that requires coordinated action and sustained investment.

Speakers

Petre-Florin Manole, Minister of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, Romania

Aleksandra Gajewska, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Poland

Marie Toussaint, Member of the European Parliament, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Fighting Against Poverty

Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

Maria Nyman, Secretary General of Caritas Europa