Masaryk University

Brno, Czech Republic
20 - 21 March, 2009

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Welfare states in Europe are involved in reform processes, of which the development of so-called 'active welfare states' is an important aspect. Existing welfare state arrangements are being reformed and new ones introduced, reflecting a shift in the main objectives of these arrangements: from citizens’ protection to citizens’ participation. Policy developments at European Union level have a clear impact on these reforms. The European Employment Strategy as well as the Open Coordination Method on Social Inclusion are examples of European Union policy interventions that stimulate and coordinate the development of active welfare states EU wide.

The introduction of so-called 'active social policies' or 'activation programmes' is an important ingredient of attempts to make welfare states more active and activating. These policies and programmes are targeted at unemployed, marginalised and excluded groups in society. Most of them aim at integrating these groups in the labour market and improving their employability. Some policies and programmes aim at integration, social inclusion and participation in a wider sense than paid jobs only. By now, a large variety of policies and programmes have been developed: counselling, job mediation, training and education, stimulating self employment, subsidized jobs, social economy projects, voluntary and community work, etcetera. Furthermore, approaches to processes of activation and integration differ, ranging from top-down, strictly obligatory workfare approaches to bottom-up, client centred methods of activation. Finally, the activation of unemployed and excluded people goes hand in hand with processes of 'institutional activation'.

This site pays attention to these developments. Its aim is to be an interactive platform for information on active social policies in Europe. The site will provide:

• a database of books, articles, research reports and other publications of national or international interest;
• a database of ongoing research projects of national or international interest;
• a database of researchers in the area of active social policies;
• information on courses relevant for students interested in Active Social Policies;
• a database of policy programmes and policy developments;
• links to relevant institutions and organisations;
• announcements of conferences, workshops, new publications;
• a discussion list;
• an opportunity to contribute to the content of the site.

The target group of the site are all those who are interested in active social policies: researchers, policy makers, practitioners, organisations and institutions involved in the development and delivery of activation programmes, policy clients and their representatives, etcetera.

The main language of the site is English. However, information can be sent and published in your own language (if not English), in English, and in both languages.

Contact us at: aspen@mail.fss.uu.nl.