The joint meeting of the Eurodiaconia Network on Extreme Poverty and Employment, held in Santander, Spain, from 24 to 25 September 2024, brought together experts from across Europe to discuss the challenges and opportunities to improve access to employment for vulnerable groups, as well as the topic poverty among employees. This event, organized by Eurodiaconia, a European network of churches and Christian organizations dedicated to social justice, and their partner organization Nueva Vida, was an important opportunity to share experiences and insights in the fight against poverty.

On the first day, a special focus was on the approach to employment of vulnerable groups, such as women in the context of sex work and exploitation, women victims of human trafficking, refugees, homeless people and ex-prisoners. The Nueva Vida organization presented its approach to the integration of these people into the labor market, emphasizing the key role of social entrepreneurship in supporting people from vulnerable groups.

The participants also had the opportunity to visit the social enterprise "BERRIS", which is engaged in the production and design of textiles. This company, founded in 2021 by the Nueva Vida Association, aims to train, professionalize and integrate in the labor market people who are at risk of social exclusion. Berris is not only a clothing brand, but also a project that promotes social inclusion and sustainability.

During the visit to "Casa de Renedo", a shelter for persons deprived of liberty and the homeless, the participants got an insight into how social enterprises can provide support to the most vulnerable groups and reintegrate them into society.

On the second day, the discussion focused on the problem of poverty among employees in Europe. Professor Luca Rati from the University of Luxembourg gave a lecture on how, despite employment, many people are unable to meet basic life needs due to low wages and rising costs of living. Specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the context of the economic crisis were discussed, as well as possible policies that would help reduce poverty.

The final part of the meeting was devoted to practical workshops on policy development. The participants discussed the challenges and proposed solutions for better access to the employment of vulnerable groups, as well as the fight against poverty. The proposed policies will be further considered at the national and European level, with a special focus on social inclusion and support for the most vulnerable groups.

Project coordinator Milisav Milinković was the representative of the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization at this meeting.