P5 : Inclusive society

Priority 5 – Transition towards a socially inclusive and resilient society - refers to Policy objective 4 “a more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights” to promote inclusive growth and a balanced integrated territorial development. It aims to improve NWE communities’ capacities, skills and well-being by providing services of general interest and the right conditions for reinforcing quality employment, access to health and care, and to enhance the potential of tourism and culture in economic development.

One of the territorial challenges of the NWE area is to overcome territorial disparities with regard to social and societal development, integration and equal access to public services. With this priority the Programme shall contribute to following some of the 17 “sustainable development goals” (SDGs) of the United Nations : SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”, SDG 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, SDG 8 “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”, SDG 10 “Reduce inequality within and among countries”, SDG 11 “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, SDG 16 “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.

During the implementation, the Programme will promote the strategic use of public procurement to support Policy Objectives (including professionalization efforts to address capacity gaps). Beneficiaries should be encouraged to use more quality-related and lifecycle cost criteria. When feasible, environmental (e.g. green public procurement criteria) and social considerations as well as innovation incentives should be incorporated into public procurement services.

NWE will also respect the horizontal principles of fundamental rights, gender equality, non-discrimination and sustainable development. The entire programme implementation will be subject to these principles. In particular, the respect for the horizontal principles will make part of the project selection criteria.