The objective of the European Anti Poverty Network to ensure that adequate minimum income schemes were created in all EU member states should be fully supported through official agreement between all 28 countries.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she spoke at an event in the European Parliament on Wednesday, March 19th organised by the European Minimum Income Network (EMIN).  

She said:- “A Minimum Income Scheme can become a reality in all member states through the creation of an appropriate EU Directive.  Citizens of the EU and especially of those countries which have had to implement austerity measures deserve to have access to a living income which, like equality legislation, can be required by the EU.

“This is the kind of issue which should be debated in the upcoming European Parliament election as if the right wing in the next Parliament increases its influence the development of measures such as minimum income schemes will prove more difficult”, she said.

She pointed out that income support schemes provided a safety net for those who cannot work or access a decent job and are not eligible for social security payments.  An adequate minimum income was indispensible to live a life in dignity and to fully participate in society, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said.