During the European Economic and Social Committee event in Florence, Italy – Biennale Firenze – we asked each interviewee a very important question, “What is the cost to Europe of not having a social policy?”

European Commission President Barroso explains why fiscal restraint should not mean a reduction in social protections amongst EU Member States.

President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Mario Sepi, explains why the slow and uncoordinated responses by governments to the financial crisis are creating large social problems. This interview is in Italian and English.

Irini Pari, Vice President of the European Economic and Social Committee, explains why it was so important to have representatives from all the European institutions come together to find ways to combat social exclusion and poverty. She also tells us why the report submitted to European Commission President Barroso will be implemented.

Martin Hirsch, President of the Agence du Service Civique, explains why he believes that any social policy in Europe requires targets and real commitments to reach them.

Mario Sepi, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, discusses the problems with austerity measures to dealing with the financial crisis and their impact on people across Europe.

Martin Westlake, Secretary General of the European Economic and Social Committee explains why Europe needs a highly educated population if it is to maintain competitive advantages.

Day 3 of the Biennale Firenze saw European Commission President Barroso deliver a keynote address in French and recieve the recommendations of the European Economic and Social Committee on ways to use education to combat social exclusion. Watch his full address here:

Dr Alan Hick of the European Economic and Social Committee discusses the social realities of the financial crisis and why these social aspects are ignored at our peril.

Mostafa el Ayoubi, Editor in Chief of Confronti in Italy, explains his contributions to the EESC Biennale Firenze. He discusses the important role played by mosques in helping to educate and integrate immigrants into Italian society.