European Funds for the Social Activities of Historic Churches

2014-09-10

We need to create the possibility of financing the social activities of the traditional, historic churches with European Funds – pointed out MEP Csaba Sógor in the European Parliament.  The MEP believes social involvement of the church in places where governmental institutions or NGOs cannot fulfil their roles is essential.   


The Pan-European social and health organization, Eurodiaconia organised a workgroup meeting in the EP attended by the members of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and representatives of several international organisations such as the European branch of the International Salvation Army and of Caritas. The meeting agenda included debating the economic and social priorities of the EP for the next five years, and discussing the midterm results of the Europe 2020 strategy, including results of the fight against poverty. 
 
In his speech RMDSZ MEP Csaba Sógor pointed out that in the post-socialist states churches make up for the NGOs shortcomings. This is why it is important that churches can access the European Social Fund or other European Funds to finance their activities. The MEP also stressed that if we want to eradicate poverty in the EU, we need to start investing more in education. 
 
As a member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, one of the current activities of the MEP is to follow-up on the social issues of the EU Council’s budget and economic policy during the so called European Semester, one of the most important aspects of this being the elaboration of guidelines for the member states.