Towards a European minimum income

"The general term "guaranteed minimum income" (GMI) actually covers a wide variety of schemes that have
developed over time within the social protection systems established by the EU Member States. This report
summarises the various schemes currently in place in Europe, and looks at the feasibility of introducing a
European instrument relating to non-contributory minimum income schemes aimed at people of working
age who are fit for work. It thus does not cover minimum incomes for specific categories (the elderly, etc.)
or minimum wages, which are organised and managed by the social partners, although they may be
relevant to discussions of certain elements of GMI schemes.
A study of this kind involves teasing out a complex tangle at European level. There is considerable variation
within the EU with regard to the organisation and purpose of GMI schemes, as – in common with many
social protection matters – competence in the field rests primarily with the States, or in some cases
regions." (Bron: Towards a European minimum income: contribution workers' group: final report / Ramón Peña-Casas, Dalila Ghailani, Sebastiano Sabato & Ides Nicaise)