WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1576/96 by Hugh McMAHON to the Commission. Black and minority ethnic older people in Europe
Date: 1996-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, MCMAHON
Subjects: anti-discriminatory measure, elderly person, ethnic group, poverty, racial discrimination, social assistance, social integration













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91996E1576

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1576/96 by Hugh McMAHON to the Commission. Black and minority ethnic older people in Europe  


Official Journal C 297 , 08/10/1996 P. 0132 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-1576/96 by Hugh McMahon (PSE) to the Commission (12 June 1996)Subject: Black and minority ethnic older people in EuropeThere is an increasing number of older people from minority ethnic groups within the EU and although their needs are similar to those of the majority of the elderly population, they face additional issues as a result of their experience of being a minority and a migrant/refugee, in terms of ageing, poverty and social exclusion. The Europe-wide picture is that social care and welfare services are inconsistent and even non-existent in certain areas, despite the rising numbers.In view of the above, what specific measures are taken by the Commission to:1. facilitate and exchange experience of countries who are initiating developments in this area;2. support development in meeting the social needs of the minority ethnic elderly population;3. enlarge developments where specific gaps in social care and welfare are identified;4. enhance the process of 'social inclusion' for the growing numbers of black and minority ethnic older people in Europe?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1996)The Commission is aware of the additional strains faced by many older people of ethnic minorities, and has supported actions in favour of these groups.With regard to the exchange of experiences and practices between Member States the Commission has for a number of years supported the work of the European network on ageing and ethnicity. This is concerned with research, information, education and training as well as developing policy recommendations in the area of older people.The Commission has recently increased its attention to ethnic minorities in several areas, not least by the multiannual Employment-Integra initiative. New emphasis will be put on the integration into employment of migrants and refugees as a contribution towards reducing social tensions and combatting discrimination, racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. This approach includes support to development of model approaches and practices to improve access to quality public services, to develop grass-root capacities and to promote community-based approaches to reintegration.Since the multiannual programme against social exclusion has not yet been adopted by the Council, there is a very limited budget available to co-finance pilot projects which combat social exclusion and promote solidarity. However a number of projects were carried out in 1995 relating to socially excluded older people from minority ethnic groups in Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom.