The Open Method of Coordination - OMC

According to European jurisdiction and political practice, the EU institutions’ competencies are restricted in social and economic matters. Thus, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers principally support national authorities in the coordination of their policies. For this purpose the “Open Method of Coordination” (OMC) [1]procedure was developed. Whilst the OMC has no legal authority, it encourages national governments to act to avoid criticism as latecomers.

 

The OMC is also an operational model for transnational partnerships within EU financed projects: exchange of good practices, mutual learning, policy monitoring, and development of joint strategies and activities are common methods both for governmental and project cooperation.

 

In social policy, the European Commission initiated an OMC process on social inclusion addressing issues like gender equality and equal opportunity for minorities and disabled persons. Since 2001 Member States regularly draw up bi-annual plans, National Action Plans (NAPs), streamlining national initiatives for social inclusion according to previously defined guidelines. The Member States assess on a regular basis the implementation of the OMC, set new key priorities and identify good practices and innovative approaches of common interest. In 2005 the OMC was extended to pension and healthcare policy.

 

MFIs providing finance, training and mentoring services to persons suffering from social exclusion are directly concerned by the programmes and initiatives undertaken by the Member States in the framework of the OMC.