Activities

Lobbying and Service Provision

ESAN is the spokesperson of the social sector in Europe vis a vis the European decision-makers.

In accordance with its philanthropic and scientific objective, ESAN encourages the conception and realisation of a coherent social policy in Europe based on the respect of human rights, the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, the International Convention of Children’s Rights, the freedom of conscience and solidarity.

ESAN interpolates the Heads of the EU Member States, the EU Commission and Parliamentary working groups by taking part in the various meetings that are being held and open to the Civil Society and also by sending position papers.

ESAN also takes part in the meetings organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.
ESAN’s interventions rely on the social expertise of its members,

  • especially in assessing the needs and expectations of the most fragile publics whom they are working for and with,
  • and because, by their make up, they are able to interpret requirements of those they speak for

ESAN, together with its members:

  • examine the social consequences of global political and economic changes;
  • analyse in advance the social effects of EU proposals before they acquire administrative or regulative form, including in the fiscal field;
  • evaluate the needs, in terms of social conditions and quality of life in their immediate surroundings, of European groups of people for instance in the common conditions which the EU should promote;
  • contribute to the drawing up, implementation and evaluation of the European social policy.

ESAN actively attends the many meetings, debates and conferences organised by the EU institutions, where the civil society is invited, as the spokeperson of the workers and citizens it represents.

ESAN takes part in a large variety of committees and expert commissions set up within the EU institutions, such as the European Economic and Social Committee and the Employment and Social Affairs Commission of the European Parliament.

ESAN is a member of the Social Platform, whilst being one of its founder as well, which brings together 40 networks of the social field to promote and better co-ordinate social action in Europe. Together with this social Platform, ESAN takes part in the bi-annual meetings with the EU Commission where different issues of the European social policy are tackled.

ESAN is a member of  the Council Of Europe in Strasbourg

ESAN strives for to:

  • support its members to contribute to the work of the EU institutions concerning the development of the social policy;
  • make sure, with its members’ support, that the social policy made by the EU institutions respects human rights and aims for the welfare of all.

Service Provision:

  • Finding relevant speakers;
  • Passing on information (date, times, registration conditions) amongst members through the News Review or the Flash;
  • Providing support to organise an event with another organisation
Support to local organisations
  • in hosting delegations from abroad, who come to visit the local Community;
  • in placing students in local voluntary organisations in Europe, depending on their expectations and projects and depending on ESAN’s members’ capacities;
  • for translation and linguistic support in French and English (the 2 ESAN working languages).