The deadline for comments on the European Commission a White Paper on Communication is 30th September 2006. It is worth noting that words and phrases such as Development of Civil Society or Participatory Democracy or Active Citizenship, which have been key to Community Development practice for some time, now occur with greater frequency in European policy. The search for core principles, based on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Participation in the White Paper, also has striking similarities to the work of members of the Combined Bureau for Social Development (see TLCD section for Community Development principles).

"Communication is essential to a healthy democracy" but it must be more than verbal and must give opportunity for more involvement for citizens in shaping social and community life not only endorsing the decisions of experts. The challenge of including people who experience discrimination, poverty and other forms of exclusion is growing not diminishing. More commitment to deliver results that demonstrate links between better communication and greater social cohesion within member state and between member states could be a starting point. Comment directly to ec.europa.eu/communication_white_paper/

CEBSD members are exploring the contribution of Community Development to a European debate on Social Cohesion. Within some member states, where Community Development has been incorporated into local government services, there is a tendency to restrict Community Development to the development of social services. Members of Combined Bureau see Community Development as part of the broader context of building participatory democracy. In addressing this debate, members plan to develop a shared understanding of different interpretations of Social Cohesion. (See CEBSD news)

There is a commitment to establishing a network of those interested in exchange on Training and Learning for Community Development, arising from the Budapest Seminar and follow-up meeting in Rome, June 2006. The first step is to maintain and increase contact through the cebsd e-group. Send an e-mail to co-ordinator@cebsd.org if you are interested in a full copy of the report for outline of the report on the Thematic Seminar funded through the Grundtvig programme of the European Directorate for Education and Culture and/or in participating in further exchange on this topic. For more information go to the TLCD section.

The European Social Platform has welcomed the European Commission's Communication on Social Services of General Interest, issued at the end of April. "The Communication presents for the first time a list of these services' specific characteristics and reviews the support which they receive from various existing community instruments. It also opens up a process of wide consultation, open to all actors of the sectors, Member States, Social Partners, NGOs and operators of social services, through which the Commission will better take into account the specificities of those services when implementing EU legislation. These services differ from country to country, but can include sectors such as social housing, childcare or services towards families and persons in need." (Social Platform, Press Release April 2006)

Those involved in community development have a particular perspective on the tensions between state provision of social services and the increasing 'private' provision of services including services provided by large not-for-profit organisations. EU internal market and competition law now applies to many of these services. The Communication looks at the principle of freedom to provide services, freedom of establishment and also the issue of state aid to social services. Some of special characteristics of social services distinguish them from other services such as transport. The role of not-for-profit organisations and the goal of seeking broad participation of citizens in the design and delivery of such services are of particular interest to the field of community development.

Successful community development can prevent escalation of costs of social welfare by replacing dependence with active engagement of citizens in the social process as community activists, tenants, volunteers, community workers, social workers, teachers, health workers. Good practice in community development can take significant pressure off social services in the achievement of its main goal of increasing social cohesion. This potential of Community Development also presents a risk as Community Development theory with its foundation in self-help, voluntary activity, emphasis on civil society and citizen co-operation can be hijacked by those interested in evading responsibility for social cohesion and devolving it to the most powerless and vulnerable groups in society. Good community development is not a substitute for provision of well-designed and accessible social services but is dependent on their existence and is complementary to them. Successful community development, based on core principles of tolerance, equality, diversity, partnership, solidarity, co-operation and participation has the role of changing the dynamic between the so-called 'target' group, 'client' or 'user' and the 'provider' within the given social context.

In the light of the diversity of provision of social services of general interest in each Member State, the Commission has decided to carry out a study of the situation in each Member State and to engage in a process of consultation. The first report is anticipated at the end of 2007. The Social Platform has expressed reservations about this decision as it "will accumulate delays in finding a sustainable solution to ensure that social services are taken into account when laws and policies are developed." It also seems likely that the lack of a legal instrument relating to the provision of social services of general interest will continue to create problems. For more on the Communication go to: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/emplweb/news/news_en.cfm?id=153

Participants at a Seminar on Budapest at the beginning of April worked together to combine the perspective of Community Development on lifelong learning and the perspective of Adult education on lifelong learning. The Seminar was a key point in the project on "Training and Learning for Community Development", funded by the European Commission's Education and Culture Directorate under the Grundtvig Programme.

Participation at the Budapest Seminar was weighted towards non-governmental organisations engaged in Training and Learning for Community Development. This reflects the conviction of partners that community development can make a unique contribution to the field of lifelong learning based on experience of training and learning in community-based organisations combined with adaptability to diversity. Community development values, practices and creativity can bring the policies and theories of lifelong learning to life. (Go to Social Development or click here for shared definitions of 'community'. The goals of the project are to work on guidelines and networking around the theme of Training and Learning for Community Development. There was a general agreement that the best guidelines are points of reference, which can illuminate practice and can be adapted to the specific situation.

Many of the non-governmental organisations, which took part, have links with local authorities. For example, participants from Rome, Berlin, Oslo and Barcelona -some of them employees of both governmental and non-governmental organisations are working on partnerships within a community development framework. In addition, participation from Communities Scotland, a Scottish/UK government initiative helped bridge the gap between government initiatives and community-based programmes. One of the most striking features of participation was that, while participation was spread across 17 countries, and people used their specific 'in-country' experience, there was none of the demarcation between East and West that is apparent at some events.

One of the participants described the seminar as "creative, it sparkled with new thinking, it broadened my understanding." This enthusiasm of the participants was evident as most were happy with the opportunity to take up key roles. Although there are some, who would have appreciated more support in maximising their participation. Participants produced 6700 words and several diagrams of working notes on common elements in training and learning in addition to evaluation commentary. These notes can be made available for those who wish to make a contribution to transforming the 'raw material' into a framework, which is open to further development.

The term 'raw material' is used, as participants were hesitant that the tight timescale of the project could produce "guidelines" or even the outline of a "framework". The working notes are described as points of reference, guidance, or "illuminators". The next challenge is to test whether a synthesis of these working notes can provide material, which is useful enough to both participants and to others in the field of Community Development and Adult Education. The test of that will be in the follow-up work of partners in the project before the next meeting in Rome in June and the willingness to participate in a future network on the theme of Training and Learning for Community Development. Contact margogorman@eircom.net if you wish to have further information about the project or proposed network.

In the light of developments in relation to the Lisbon Strategy, the meeting of the European Council at the end of March 2006 is an important date for many NGOs. The Social Platform has issued a resolution, which "insists on the need for Europe to identify its real priorities (which must include avoiding social dumping, fighting against poverty, social exclusion and discrimination, more democracy) and to use the right instruments (OMC on social protection and social inclusion, European Pact for Gender Equality, Youth Pact, anti-discrimination directives). We hope that Heads of State and Government will also be convinced of the need to address these most pressing concerns and really respond to the growing scepticism of citizens towards the European Union" For a full text of the resolution go to www.socialplatform.org

Leading up to the Spring Council, Non Government Organisations (NGO's) and Unions urged EU leaders to make the renewed Lisbon Strategy work for truly sustainable communities in Europe. On the 6th Match 2006 at a Conference entitled, "Does the Lisbon Process produce sustainable development?" organised by the Social Platform, European Trades Union Congress, and European Environmental Bureau in Brussels, President Barroso affirmed that the growth and jobs agenda of the Lisbon strategy could only work hand in hand with social goals. NGOs are hoping that we are beginning to see a more balanced approach within the Lisbon strategy that also seems to be reflected in the European Commission's annual report 2006 - which notes:
"The European Council should clearly state that the objective of the Lisbon Strategy is to strengthen social cohesion and sustainability throughout Europe by making the Union the most dynamic, competitive, sustainable, knowledge-based economy, enjoying full employment. A strategy for sustainable change facing up to demographic change and challenges of the global economy, and allowing for the necessary reforms to increase competitiveness and growth across Europe, while at the same time helping people face these changes by providing them with adequate social protection, promoting social inclusion, ensuring training and education opportunities."

The Berlin Process was initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in co-operation with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the Directorate for Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe to develop integrated strategies to benefit children and young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Last month, the charter developed in Berlin was revisited by an even larger contingent of elected members of municipalities, youth representatives, youth researchers, experts, non-governmental associations and civil servants.

The Berlin process is set in the context of the Lisbon agenda of commitment to a knowledge-based society, full employment and social cohesion. Set against these goals are current employment trends which make disadvantaged young people potentially superfluous to the labour market. The gap between young people from advantaged backgrounds who can achieve their potential and those facing insurmountable obstacles to achievement is growing. This imbalance is potentially dangerous to social cohesion. Groups discussed a range of issues including co-operation between public and private institutions, interculturality and minorities, xenophobia and violence, participation and education for democracy, non-formal education, employment and qualification. The Berlin Process attracts broader participation and exchange from other European member states working on integrated strategies at a local and regional level. Contact Antje Klemm, Entwicklung und Chancen junger Menschen in sozialen Brennpunkten, klemm@eundc.de

Gender inequality in the EU will be tackled by 21 specific activities over the next five years, as outlined in a new gender equality roadmap published by the European Commission for Women's Day on 8th March. Proposed Commission activities in the 'Roadmap for equality between men and women 2006-10' include helping set up a new €50 million European institute for gender equality, reviewing all existing EU gender equality law, increasing awareness of gender inequality, ensuring gender equality is considered in all policies and pressing for better statistics. The roadmap aims to tackle the pay gap between men and women, support better work/life balance, eliminate violence and trafficking, support gender budgeting and promote gender equality both within and outside the EU. EU Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner, Vladimir Špidla stated that, while we must promote gender equality to those outside the EU, much remains to be done inside the Union. 'Women in the EU are still not getting a fair deal, particularly in the workplace. One in three of working women is confined to part time work. Gender equality isn't just a good idea - it liberates people's potential and plays a key role in making the EU more competitive. We need not only more jobs, but better jobs and to help women into them, while ensuring both women and men can balance work and private life.' The roadmap sets out six priority areas for action in the 2006-2010 period:

• Achieving equal economic independence for women and men;
• Enhancing reconciliation of work, private and family life;
• Promoting equal participation of men and women in decision-making;
• Eradicating gender-based violence and trafficking;
• Eliminating gender stereotypes in society and;
• Promoting gender equality outside the EU.

As well as the funds for the new gender institute, the proposed new €650 million PROGRESS programme will fund some of the activities outlined in the roadmap. EU Structural funds and financial programmes in various policy areas will also help to provide funding for both roadmap and other EU gender equality activities. The new network of national gender equality bodies will be established under the provisions of EU gender equality Directive 2002/73. They promote, analyse, monitor and fight discrimination on grounds of sex in Member States, by providing assistance to victims of discrimination and helping them to pursue their complaints. The review of existing gender equality legislation is in line with 'legislate less but better' drive of President Barroso. It will ensure that all legislation is up to date and can provide the best possible framework for ensuring equal opportunities for men and women throughout the EU. Report from Sue Webb, Cluster leader, CEBSD

Within the framework of its new 4-year programme (2005-2008), the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions continues its activities on the integration of migrants in Europe by planning a joint initiative on the role of local authorities in the integration of migrants in Europe with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) in the Council of the Europe (CoE) and the city of Stuttgart. Within the framework of its new 4-year programme (2005-2008), the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions continues its activities on the integration of migrants in Europe by planning a joint initiative on the role of local authorities in the integration of migrants in Europe with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) in the Council of the Europe (CoE) and the city of Stuttgart. www.eurofound.ie" target="_blank" title="Within the framework of its new 4-year programme (2005-2008), the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions continues its activities on the integration of migrants in Europe by planning a joint initiative on the role of local authorities in the integration of migrants in Europe with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) in the Council of the Europe (CoE) and the city of Stuttgart. www.eurofound.ie

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The final report is available on the website of the Commissioner for Human Rights, www.commissioner.coe.int. Contact: John DALHUISEN, Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights Tel. +33 (0)3 88 41 23 13, mobile +33 (0) 6 61 14 70 37 E-mail: john.dalhuisen@coe.int

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