The European Economic and Social Committee, has identified education as a crucial factor in the process of social inclusion. The Biennale Conference of 20 -22 May, was thus the hotspot for them to increase awareness on this issue and call for a Green Paper with effective plans to be put in action that could encourage social innovation and enhance social inclusion "as soon as possible," said Mario Sepi, president of EESC.       

Their proposal is a result of the conclusions drawn by the EU Council of 10 and 11 May which highlighted the high levels of unemployment and provided an opportunity to spot education as a key tool in the establishment of a social cohesion that could develop a knowledge-based economy for Europe. This would allow for poverty to be effectively fought by a cohesive and integrated society.

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, highlighted the importance of social inclusion measures and added "We respect national education systems, but how could we avoid including education in the Europe 2020 Strategy for social inclusion?"

It was concluded at the Biennale that a Green Paper could be a good starting point for the EESC as it could pave the way for programmes aimed at their goal and help underline the importance of education "as a type of social lift [...] which should have a qualitative element aimed at eradicating discrimination and stereotypes," said Mario Sepi.