ROMANIA The cooperation between the GoR, EC and UNDP on the process of JIM and MDGR formulation

1. ROMANIAThe cooperation between the GoR, EC and UNDP on the process of JIM and MDGR formulation Ministry of Labor, Social Solidarity and Family Vilnius, 26 – 27 April 2004

2. Content • National Anti-Poverty Plan – a good exercise towards MDGR and JIM formulation • MDGR formulation process – an outstanding cooperation with UN System • Lessons learned • MDGR key outcomes • JIM – aim and key objectives in Candidate Countries • JIM – achievements to date • JIM – Activities to be undertaken • Similarities between JIM and MDGR indicators • Why to align the MDGs with EU social inclusion agenda in Romania?

3. National Anti-Poverty Plan – a good basis for MDGR and JIM formulation • Addresses complex range of poverty and social inclusion issues by combining short/medium-term priorities of the GoR in support of Romania’s European integration. • Reflects the GoR’s commitment to meeting the objectives of the MDGs. • It implied a consultative process between the stakeholders at all levels. • Promotes coordination between social and economic policies. • It offers custom-tailored support to the most marginalized groups. • It shifts the anti-poverty focus from treatment to prevention.

4. MDGR formulation process – an outstanding cooperation with UN System • GoR received complete information on MDG rationale, global goals, targets and indicators, MDGR structure, report samples; • GoR has established the division of work and precise coordination mechanisms; • MDGR focal points were appointed in all contributing Ministries; • Global targets were country-tailored; • The National Institute of Statistics has verified statistical data and data interpretation; • The MDGR endorsed by Ministers of all contributing Ministries; • MDGR high-level launch with Prime Minister and Cabinet members.

5. Lessons learned • A clear framework for development planning and actions. • Policy, legal and implementation shortcomings better defined and better channeled resources. • Better planning, by setting country-relevant goals and targets. • Provided a focused analysis on mobilizing national efforts to meet the targets on time.

6. MDGR key outcomes • Provided institutionalized monitoring and accountability mechanisms, that EU accession process requires. • Created a pattern of dialogue, information sharing and consultation. • Created country-tailored targets towards poverty reduction. • MDG related targets will be included in the revised version of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy.

7. JIM process– aim and key objectives in Candidate Countries • Aim: to prepare Candidate Countries for their full participation in the open method of co-ordination on social inclusion as of the date of accession. • Objectives: • Building up capacity in governmental bodies on fighting against poverty and social exclusion; • Promoting the adoption at national level of EU commonly agreed indicators on social inclusion; • Acknowledging existing policies and recent policy reforms on poverty reduction and social inclusion; • Developing a consensus on policy priorities to underpin the forthcoming preparation of the Structural Funds' Single Programming Documents. • Highlighting key issues for further policy review in the context of the NAPs/incl exercise, after accession.

8. JIM process to date • 1st Drafting Team Meeting: discuss process and plan work programme; • Established working groups to start work on different chapters and sections; • Drafts of sections 1 (economic background), 2 (social situation) & 3 (key challenges) prepared; • Comments received from DG EMPL on section1-3 drafts; • 2nd Drafting Team Meeting: comments and observations on the first 3 sections; • A seminar on study, stakeholders consultation has been organised; • 3rd Drafting Team Meeting: finalisation of drafts sections 1-3 and discuss progress on sections 4 (policy issues), 5 (promoting gender equality) and 6 (statistical system).

9. JIM process – further actions • April – May 2004 - Draft of sections 4 (policy issues), 5 (promoting gender equality), 6 (statistical system) 7 (structural funds)and 8 (conclusions) prepared; • Late June 2004 - Complete draft to be sent to DG EMPL for comments; • July 2004 - Circulate draft for Inter Service Consultation (ISC) and revise draft in the light of comments received; • August 2004 - Circulate draft to Romanian services for agreement; • September 2004 - Final Drafting Team Meeting; • End of September 2004- Signature of JIM by Romanian and EC authorities.

10. JIM indicators: Persistent risk of poverty rate (60%median) Inequality of income distribution Persons living in jobless households Long term unemployment share Regional cohesion Early school leaves not education or training Persons with low educational attainment Life expectancy at birth MDGR indicators: Severe poverty rate Consumption deficit of the severely poor population Unemployment rate of 15-to-24 years old Domestic and export agricultural subsidies. Net / gross enrolment ratio in compulsory education School drop-out ratio Literacy rate of the Rroma population Infant mortality rate Similarities between JIM and MDGR indicators

11. Why to align the MDGs with EU social inclusion agenda in Romania? • Consistency between the UN and EU social inclusion policy papers: input of a wide range of stakeholders, time-bound objectives, similar goal of reducing poverty and social exclusion. • Both will definitely assist in better policy-making, and in being able to access the effectiveness and efficiency of policies. • Both will further support the GoR to adopt the necessary rules and regulations in this connection without delay, and comprehensively transpose the social protection provisions of the acquis.

12. Thank you !Any questions?