ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses whether and to what extent the overarching supranational social policy tool-kit is well suited to reducing poverty in the European Union (EU) – as well as to tackling the social consequences of the financial crisis and austerity measures – by promoting effective governance of anti-poverty policies in a multi-level and multi-stakeholder arena. It illustrates the main features of the Europe 2020 governance architecture with a focus on anti-poverty policies. The Europe 2020 Strategy aims to turn the EU into a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy – the three European 'overarching priorities' – characterized by high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. A 'flagship' initiative – the European Platform Against Poverty and Social Exclusion – was established with the aim to involve the Member States (MS), EU institutions and stakeholders in the fight against poverty.
