The article presents the results of an analysis of the planning documents of the Italian Regions for the cycle of policies of regional cohesion 2007-2013, centred on bringing out how the aims of the Lisbon strategy and the strategy of social inclusion in general, as defined at community level, have been translated in operative terms. It analyses Italy’s Regional Operative Programmes (ROP) of the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDP) as regards one of the keystones of the new planning, that of social policies. In particular, it proposes a review of the measures and resources specifically planned by the Italian Regions, and so, indirectly, of the possibilities-potentialities envisaged for those working in the sector, whether local public bodies or public or private organizations working in the sector.only subscribers can see the full article

The paper gives a brief overview of safety net mechanisms in Eu countries (before enlargement), outlining eligibility conditions after social protection adjustments and reforms in the 90s and the current trends in the activation of minimum income beneficiaries. By analysing the policies of European states, there emerges a prevalent model which foresees the activation of the beneficiaries of safety net mechanisms with rigid access/exclusion conditions. The excessive use of restrictive, conditional tools risks the re-emergence of the idea of «culpable» poverty, hence undermining the achievements of social inclusion policies.only subscribers can see the full article