National Reports on Strategies for Social Protection and Social inclusion – Finland

By virtue of the decisions by the Social Protection Committee, the Council, and the European Council, the European Union Member States compile national reports on strategies for social protection and social inclusion for years 2006–2008. For the first time, the national strategies and activities regarding prevention of poverty and exclusion, the pension system, health care, and long-term medical care are reviewed in one report. The completion of the national reports is a prelude to the compilation of a joint report by the Commission and the Member States for the Spring European Council in 2007. The structures and contents of the national strategies of different Member States has been harmonised with the help of recommendations for the facilitation of mutual learning and comparison. In a meeting in March 2006, the Social Protection Committee agreed on the timetable, common goals and guidelines for the national reports on strategies for 2006–2008. Regarding the promotion of social protection and social inclusion, the streamlined strategies, the focus on the presentation of main objectives, and the extent to which the objectives are realised were highlighted. Reviewing the different spheres of social protection in a combined manner is aimed at improving the coordination and visibility of operations. Social protection objectives should be considered in the national policy coordination in connection with the Lisbon process. The report has been compiled under the direction of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The contents have been produced by different ministries, the social partners, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, representatives of NGOs, Statistics Finland, and National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (Stakes). Several experts have commented on the report, and the contents have been approved by the section for the preparation of social issues in the EU and by the Ministry executive. A separate consultation event was arranged for NGOs with regard to poverty and social exclusion. The strategy is based on the existing policy definitions under the Open Method of Coordination for social protection and social inclusion, the effective Government Programme, and strategic development programmes of different actors. The Finnish policies on social protection and social inclusion are based on the principles of the Nordic Welfare State, which include universal services and adequate social security. Extensive social and health policies prevent inequalities. Different spheres of social policies aim at preventing risks of social exclusion and improving the health and functional capacity of the population. Promoting employment is still a significant challenge. The strategy describes the recent core decisions and measures that aim at achieving the set goals. The proposed reforms improve the functioning and effectiveness of welfare services and safeguard social security financing. The results will be measured by using the indicators described in the report. The report also includes examples of good practices