We are here at this conference because we see empowerment as the pathway to integration. Which is why all of us must be involved in generating the right ideas and the right environment for an inclusive labour market and, by extension, an inclusive society. And it is the input and effort of people like you, at the local level that is essential for the effective generation of ideas and initiatives aimed at the socio-economic inclusion of Europe's disadvantaged. Empowerment strategies for employment and inclusion are very much needed if we are to achieve our goal of integrated employment and social policies. A lack of participation in the labour market is often directly linked to a lack of participation in society and social life in general.
Exclusion can be a vicious downward spiral.
It can be compounded by lack of access to information, resources, education and training. It can be the root of prejudice and discrimination. A lack of participation in stable employment is also a major factor in excluding people from social roles - in removing what we might call their social identity. We have recognised the importance of promoting rights as part of the fight against exclusion. We have also recognised the risk of a dependency and the need to offer opportunities of active participation in the society.