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Press releases
23/08/2024
Photocredit: Foto Fally
Building bridges between science and politics
Vienna: 50th Anniversary of the European Centre
When it comes to overcoming geographical or social boundaries in the international community, the metaphor of building bridges is often chosen as a symbolic term for such initiatives. This autumn, an organisation that works closely with the United Nations and has "Building Bridges" as its main motto will celebrate its 50th birthday. The European Centre for Welfare Policy and Social Research in Vienna, founded in 1974 with the active support of the Republic of Austria, will host a ceremony at the Ministry of Social Affairs on 25 September. Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch stated, "We are very proud that the Republic of Austria, together with the United Nations, decided to establish the European Centre in Vienna in 1974. We benefit from the results of comparative research and the exchange between the member states through direct contact with experts in a common Europe that is constantly expanding."
On 26 and 27 September, an international conference (by invitation only) will be held in Vienna's UNO City with a prominent scientific and political line-up, whose forward-looking theme is "The Future of Welfare Policy and Social Research." For five decades, the European Centre has offered a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge in the field of social affairs between science and politics, as well as the European regions.
Deputy Director Anette Scoppetta added, "Learning together about the theory and practice of social policy on an equal footing between the West and the East is crucial for us to provide the best possible assistance for those affected. Partnerships and synergies among diverse policy areas such as the economy, social affairs, and employment must be utilized more extensively.”
Anette Scoppetta is available for interviews already now. Please, find more information on the Bridge Building here.
Download the press release: German / English
31/07/2024
Photocredit: Foto Fally
Perennial Issue: 24-Hour Care
Ceremonial Act and International Conference, 25-27 September in Vienna
24-hour care is one of many examples of major problem areas in Austrian and European social policy. On one hand, the number of people requiring care is increasing year by year, due to rising life expectancy and the structure of the Austrian age pyramid. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find enough carers (mostly women, mostly from Eastern Europe) for this demanding work. The costs are partially covered by the state through care allowances. At the same time, a significant portion of the burden falls on the relatives of those in need of care, plunging many families into considerable financial difficulties. 24-hour care is expensive. No one has yet found a perfect solution.
Since the problem does not stop at national borders, Europe-wide collaboration in the search for solutions is highly appropriate. As early as 1974, Austria, then not yet an EU member, founded the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna in collaboration with the United Nations. Since then, the institute at Berggasse 17 in Vienna has been providing international expertise on pressing social policy issues and conducting innovative social research within the framework of European cooperation.
For its 50th anniversary, the Ministry of Social Affairs will host a ceremonial act on 25 September, to which Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch invites. The Minister stated: “The European Centre fulfils the important task of identifying, scientifically examining, and disseminating innovative developments – in Austria and other countries – in relation to issues such as the ageing population, social inclusion, labour market policy, and long-term care.“
On 26 and 27 September, an international conference will follow in Vienna's UNO-City, featuring prominent figures from both science and politics (including Ministers Rauch and Polaschek, as well as government members from Moldova, Armenia, and Ukraine). The forward-looking theme of the conference is “The Future of Welfare Policy and Social Research“.
Read more and download the press release: German / English
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