Europe’s Social Reality: A ‘stocktaking’

Dramatic changes are underway in European societies: in the nature of work; modern family life; demographic trends; the position of women in society; social mobility and the incidence of poverty and inequality. Values are changing and societies are becoming increasingly multicultural. This social dynamic presents new challenges.

To seek a wide range of views on these social changes, the Commission is launching a public consultation on the ‘social reality’ of Europe today.

The consultation aims to generate debate on social realities across Europe. The Commission wants to 'listen', not test policy options. The role of European policies is therefore left entirely open.

The consultation will seek views on current social trends and on what contributes to today’s ‘well being’. It will invite views on access to education and employment as well as on the implications of changing social relationships.

The Bureau of European Policy Advisors of the European Commission has prepared a background document to animate and support this public consultation, which can be linked to from this link.