EUROPEAN COMMISSION: THE NEW EUROPEAN SOCIAL AGENDA PRESENTED TODAY (2)

Within the agenda, the European Commission adopted a proposal for an easier entitlement to across-border health care. Basically, explained Carparelli, "the European citizens can choose where to be treated, even abroad, and be refunded up to the same amount they would receive in their own countries. The directive sheds light on the way to assert such right, including the limits the member states can put on health care abroad, especially on the protection of their budgets". Another message given by the agenda is "the fight against poverty. 78 million Europeans – said the head of the inclusion and social aspects of immigration unit – live below the threshold of poverty. 19% of them are children. It is urgent to strengthen cooperation among the member states. The solution cannot only come from the welfare policies, it must come from the employment and educational policies as well. A job and a good education are the best way to escape poverty". Answering the questions of the journalists about the fingerprints to blacklist Romanies, as proposed by the Interior Minister Maroni, Carparelli stated that "no judgement can be passed and no measure can be taken until Italy takes its legal measures. This issue may well be exploited".