Brussels, 13 January 2009 - In the framework of its membership in the Social Platform, Caritas Europa fully supports the joint effort of the members of the Platform that culminated in a Contribution to the forthcoming Informal EPSCO Council, scheduled next week on 22-24 January.

With the current economic crisis developing into social instability, Caritas Europa wants to send a strong warning to the European ministers of employment and social affairs about the importance of a coordinated reaction to tackle as efficiently and as early as possible the social impact of the crisis.

Even if it differs importantly from one member state to the other, the European social model is the best possible system to mitigate the impact of such an economic meltdown as the one we are facing today.

As an active stakeholder in the EC PROGRESS Programme, and the owner of the INCLUSION programme, Caritas Europa is keen in highlighting the relevance of social inclusion, especially in difficult times.