Combating social exclusion and encouraging solidarity: programme of support 1994-1999

The Council noted that the German and United Kingdom delegations were unable to withdraw their general reservation. Following a wide-ranging discussion, the President said that some thought should be given to the approach to be adopted to achieve Union-wide action in this area. The aim of the programme proposed by the Commission is to contribute to the improvement of measures in the Member States for the effective participation of the less-privileged in economic and social life. It should follow up the three previous programmes to combat poverty, the last of which ended on 30 June 1994.