Annual review meeting, minutes

Ref. Ares(2022)1441248 - 25/02/2022 FEAD Annual Review Meeting 2020 Ministry of Social Affairs 08.12.2021 1 Change in social situation in 2020 2020 • Subsistence level 150 euros per month • Minimum wage 584 euros • Different crisis measures applied (wage support for employers etc) • Nr of subsistent benefit receivers did not rise in 2020 • FEAD target group did not increase in 2020 2021 • Crisis support measures for companies • Higher unemployment benefit • Increased pensions 2  Identification of the most deprived 2020 • Subsistence benefits receivers • Subsistence benefits applicants who would be entitled to receive due their income, but the local government (LG) have made the decision not to pay support according to the social services act • Subsistence benefits applicants whose income exceeds the maximum of 15% of the established subsistence level • People in homeless shelters • According to LGs decision – who have received at least one of LG benefit and who need food aid (additional aid) 3  Distribution of food aid 2020 Distribution of bought food aid in 2020: • 03.04–1.06.2020 and 26.10–24.12.2020 • 44 distribution points • 20 560 unique receivers, budget: 1 113 305 euro Distribution of donated food aid in 2020: • 01.01.2020 – 31.12.2020 at least once a month • 14 distribution points • 24 000 total receivers, budget 241 341euro • Total budget 2015 – 2023: 9 414 150 mil + 4,5 mil REACT-EU support • Used budget: 2015 – 2020: 7 937 463 • Possible financial correction: 519 509 still awaiting EE Court decision 4  Target group 30000 25979 25532 25000 23396 20997 20627 20000 18915 19109 15976 15103 15210 15000 13962 13466 10000 5000 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Spring Autumn 5 Regional distribution in 2020 Distribution of food aid 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 6 Population in regions in 2020 Population 500000 450000 400000 350000 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 7 Changes in 2021 • Bought food aid is distributed 4 times per year • People applying for refugee status are added to the TG • 4,5 mil REACT-EU money is added to total budegt, projects last til 2023. If funds end sooner, we will start using new periods budget, so there would not be a gap. • Budget share for donated food is increased for the future 8 Accompanying measures • All households receive subsistence benefit or local goverment benefit and have a contact with their social worker • All end recipients get a magazine of healthy recipes and information about social services • 39% of TG participate in ESF measures • 23% are in school or kindergarden 9  ESF and UIF measures ESF measures Total Men Women 16-24 25-49 50-64 65+ Increasing the share of adults with professional and occupational qualifications and improve key competences for lifelong learning 174 51 123 3 116 53 2 Developing child-care and welfare services for disabled children to decrease the care burden 39 2 37 0 37 2 0 Welfare measures supporting participation in the labour market 148 59 89 5 50 52 41 Support and housing services for ex-offenders Reduction of alcohol misuse 115 86 29 7 76 30 2 Development, introduction and provision of labour market services and supporting services (work ability reform) 1150 537 613 40 575 535 0 Labour market services for young and long-term unemployed 306 123 183 108 121 70 7 UIF services Registered in UIF as job seeker 364 247 117 22 184 137 21 Registered in UIF as unemployed 7220 3998 3222 586 3999 2635 0 10  Food bank accompanying measures County Organisation Accompanying measures Harju SA Eesti-Hollandi Heategevusfond Cooperation with UIF (voluntary work, work practice), community practice Hiiu MTÜ Samaaria Eesti Misjon Sauna, care home service Ida-Virumaa Puuetega Inimeste Koda Cooperation with UIF (voluntary work, work practice), Counselling and information about AM, need Ida-Viru MTÜ based social councelling, debt councelling, supported living and independent living service Ida-Viru Päästearmee Eestis Program for mothers and children, men's club, youth club, leisure activities - crafts, choir Recipes and guidance for cooking, cooperation with UIF (voluntary work, work practice), Jõgeva MTÜ Vooremaa TUGI cooperation with Noorte Tugila (NEET) Social, debt, psychological counselling, support persons, labour market services, addiction Järva MTÜ Süda-Eesti Sotsiaalkeksus counselling, coping counselling Lääne Läänemaa Toidupank MTÜ Cooperation with UIF, community practice Lääne-Viru Rakvere Diakooniakeskus MTÜ Counselling, clothes, cooperation with UIF, community practice Pärnu Pärnu Toidupank Mittetulundusühing Cooperation with UIF (voluntary work, work practice), Rapla MTÜ Raplamaa Lasterikkad social counselling, debt counselling, information about AM, clothes Tartu MTÜ Iseseisev Elu councelling, social councelling, services for families with children Cooperation with UIF (voluntary work, work practice ), Social cafe, sauna, laundry service, leisure Valga MTÜ Valga Abikeskus activities, social and work related rehabilitation, MTÜ Viljandi lasterikaste perede Viljandi Clothes and goods for children ühendus Counselling, clothes, social counselling, helping families and children, cooking classes, women's Võru MTÜ EMK Võru Kogudus club, community practice. FEAD synergies 12 AMIF and measures for refugees • Co-ordinated by MoI and MoSa • MoSa is responsible for access to services. For refugees all services and benefits are accessible on same conditions as for other residence. Additionally language courses, translation service, help finding home, orientation program and support persons are available for refugees. • As of 2021 autumn, also people still applying for the refugee status are eligble for food aid • AMIF and SoMa finances the support person service for all beneficiaries of international protection arriving to Estonia. A support person is appointed for up to 2 years and helps her clients to adjust, informs them about benefits, services and measures they are entitled to in Estonia and helps them to apply for these services/benefits In case the household is entitled to FEAD food aid (based on same criteria as all Estonian inhabitants), their support person and/or local social worker will inform them about this opportunity. 13  Food donations • Partner organisation: SA Eesti-Hollandi Heategevusfond (Eesti Toidupank) • Total budget until 2023: 1 676 162 euros • Procurements for PO: 2018 – 2021, 2022 – 2023 • 2020 results:  Target group: local government’s benefits receivers. TG in 2020 was bigger than prognosed.  Over 24 000 packages distributed  On average 10 kilo per package  Distribution at least once per month in 14 distribution points ( local Food Banks) 14 Challenges • Distribution of food aid is not proportionate in different regions:  Different level of commitment of local governments  Different approach to LG benefits Regional distribution of donated food aid receivers Harjumaa Hiiumaa Ida-Virumaa Järvamaa Jõgevamaa Läänemaa Lääne-Virumaa Põlvamaa Tartumaa Pärnumaa Raplamaa Valgamaa Viljandimaa Võrumaa • Problematic monitoring of aid receivers:  Depends on reports from LG  Not possible to know unique aid receivers per year 15 Solutions • Discussions with LG’s in 2021 to understand the challenges • Changes in regional budget distribution - from 2022 every county has a budget limit. It takes account the previous nr of food aid receivers in the region and also the unemployment rate in the region. • More flexible target group: social workers will evalute the needs of persons or family and can assigne food aid as one of the supporting measures. They use existing evaluation form in Social Benefits Informational system (STAR) • Monitoring in STAR: all the aid receivers are registered in STAR (in course of evaluation), lists of eligible aid receivers are accessible for Food Banks in STAR. FB can mark the actual receivers is STAR. This procedure provides accurate data that can be consolidated. • Distribution at least 2 times per month 16 Covid impact • Food bank’s presentation 17 Preparation for the 2021-2027 period 18 Overview • Period 2024 – 2028 • Budget 17 mil euro • 2 projects: distributing bought (payd) food and donated food • Indicative budget divide 70% for bought food and 30% for distributing donated food. 19 Vouchers • To distribute payd food we plan to use vouchers. Discussions with local governments support that. Motivation of shops (discounts). • Vouchers are distributed by local government’s social workers, accompaning measures are offered and organised by LG. • 20% more expensive, but: • Instant access to food • Better selection • Dignity • Less administrative burden • Food safety • Flexibility, possible to widen the TG 20 Donated food • Building up local network to find target group, offer food and accompanying measures • Local approach • Still in discussion if one or more partners • Frequent distribution 21 Thank you Kertu Põial [email protected] 22 Ref. Ares(2022)1441248 - 25/02/2022 Poverty and social exclusion in Estonia Hede Sinisaar Analysis and Statistics Department 24.11.21 EU2030 indicator At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate of total population, survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019), data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy. At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate of children (0–17), survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019), data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy. At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate of working age persons (18–64), survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019), data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy. At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate of 65 and older persons, survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019), data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy.  Intersections of Europe 2030 poverty target indicators (total population), survey year 2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (income year 2019); data is missing for Ireland and Italy. Intersections of Europe 2030 poverty target indicators of children (0–17), survey year 2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (income year 2019); data is missing for Ireland and Italy. Intersections of Europe 2030 poverty target indicators of 18–64- years, survey year 2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (income year 2019); data is missing for Ireland and Italy. Intersections of Europe 2030 poverty target indicators of 65 and older persons, survey year 2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (income year 2019); data is missing for Ireland and Italy. Estonian population in at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion by components, 2020(survey year, income year 2019) AROP – at-risk-of- 2,9% poverty (relative poverty) LWI – persons living in households with a 1,2% very low work intensity SMSD – severe 0,5% 1,4% material and social deprivation Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (survey year, income year 2019) Estonian children in at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion by components, 2020(survey year, income year 2019) AROP – at-risk-of- poverty (relative 1,7% poverty) LWI – persons living in households with a 0,1% very low work intensity SMSD – severe 0,2% 0,8% material and social deprivation Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (survey year, income year 2019) Estonian 18–64 year old persons in at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion by components, 2020(survey year, income year 2019) AROP – at-risk-of- 3% poverty (relative poverty) LWI – persons living 0,6% in households with a very low work intensity 0,5% 0,1% SMSD – severe material and social deprivation Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (survey year, income year 2019) 65 and older people in at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion by components, 2020(survey year, income year 2019) AROP – at-risk-of- poverty (relative poverty) SMSD – severe material and social deprivation 1,5% Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2020 (survey year, income year 2019) At-risk-of-poverty (e.g. relative poverty) in EU At-risk-of-poverty rate of total population, survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income year 2017–2019); data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy At-risk-of-poverty rate of 0–17, survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income year 2017–2019); data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy At-risk-of-poverty rate of 18–64, survey years 2018–2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income year 2017–2019); data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy At-risk-of-poverty rate of 65 and older persons, survey years 2018– 2020 (income years 2017–2019) Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020 (income year 2017–2019); data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland and Italy Material and social deprivation in EU Material and social deprivation • Household level: • to pay rent or utility bills; • to keep home adequately warm; Severe material and social • to face unexpected expenses; deprivation rate – the share • to eat meat, fish or a protein equivalent every second day; • a one-week holiday away from home; of persons, who cannot • a car; afford at least 7 out of the 13 • to replace furniture when worn out or damaged; items • A personal level: • to replace worn-out clothes with new ones; • to have at least two pairs of outdoor shoes in good condition that are necessary in our climate; • to spend a small amount of money each week on oneself; • to participate regularly in a leisure activity that costs money; • to get together with friends or family for a drink or meal at least once a month; • to have internet connection at home for personal use when needed. * When calculating deprivation rate for children, at least half of the household members (16 and over) should be deprived with regard to these personal items. Severe material and social deprivation rate of total population, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy Severe material and social deprivation rate of 0–17, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy Severe material and social deprivation rate of 18–64, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy Severe material and social deprivation rate of 65 and older persons, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy Persons in a households with a very low work intensity in EU  0–64 year old persons living in households with a very low work intensity, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy  0–17 year old persons living in households with a very low work intensity, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy  18–64 year old persons living in households with a very low work intensity, survey years 2018–2020 Source: Eurostat, EU-SILC 2018–2020; data for the year 2020 is missing for Ireland, Italy Income inequality Equalised disposable income and relative poverty threshold, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) * From 2012 onwards partially registry data. Change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) Poverty thresholds, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) During the economic crisis, the relative poverty line decreased as the crisis reduced the median income. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020)  Relative poverty thresholds, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) 60% of median income is at-risk- of-poverty threshold * From 2012 onwards partially registry data. Change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) Income inequality indicators, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) * From 2012 onwards partially registry data. Change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previou s years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020)  Increase of pensions, wages and at-risk-of-poverty threshold, 2009–2021* (income years, including at-risk-of-poverty threshold) Sources: Statistics Estonia, Ministry of Finance forecast (average gross wage for 2021); Ministry of Social Affairs (incl at-risk-of-poverty threshold forecast for 2021 based on the microsimulation model)  Average old-pension, relative poverty line and average gross wages, 2008–2020 and forecast for 2021* (income years) . * Forecast of relative poverty threshold for income year 2021 is calculated based on the microsimulation model; forecast of average monthly wages for the year 2021 is based on the Ministry of Finance forecast. Sources: Statistics Estonia; Ministry of Finance (summer forecast in 2021); Ministry of Social Affairs Absolute poverty and 2021 survey data on at-risk-of-poverty Absolute and at-risk-of-poverty rate, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) Despite of the increased unemployment, the relative poverty rate also declined. * The change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) At-risk-of-poverty rate by age, survey years 2008– 2021 (income years 2007–2020) * The change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) Absolute poverty rate by age, survey years 2008– 2021 (income years 2007–2020) * The change in data sources in 2012 (income year) should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Absolute poverty rate of 65+ population for survey years 2018-2021 is not published due to the unreliable data due to small size of the sample. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) Absolute poverty rate by employment status, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) * The change in data sources in 2012 (incom year) should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Absolute poverty rate of 65+ population for years 2017–2020 is not published due to the unreliable data due to small size of the sample Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) At-risk-of-poverty rate by employment status, survey years 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020) * The change in data sources in 2012 should be taken into account when comparing previous years with the following years. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey (EU SILC) 2008–2021 (income years 2007–2020)  Share of all persons in deprivation by item of deprivation, 2021 The share of household members who could not afford eating meat, fish or protein equivalent every other day has decreased from 5,3% in 2019 to 3,5% in 2021. Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey 2021(survey year)  Share of children in deprivation by item of deprivation, 2021 The share of household members who could not afford eating meat, fish or protein equivalent every other day has decreased from 4% in 2018 to 1.4% in 2021 Source: Statistics Estonia, Estonian Social Survey 2021 (survey year) Subsistence benefit Subsistence benefit receivers by the number satisfied applications Source: Ministry of Social Affairs Subsistence benefit receivers by the number of children in the household (satisfied applications) Source: Ministry of Social Affairs  Number of households, household members who received the subsistence benefit (satisfied applications) Sources: Ministry of Social Affairs Thank you! [email protected] Ref. Ares(2022)1441248 - 25/02/2022 EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION Social Affairs Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania FEAD OP Estonia (CCI 2014EE05FMOP001) Minutes of the review meeting 2021 (Article 14 of the Regulation (EU) No 223/2014) 8 December 2021, 09:30 – 12:00 European Commission (COM): Muriel Guin, Katriin Tralla, Riin Saluveer (Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) State Shared Service Centre (SSSC): Martin Karro (Managing Authority), Helmi Tampere (second level intermediate body) Ministry of Finance (MoF): Kaur Siruli (Audit Authority), Kairi Nisamedtinov Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA): Kertu Põial, Marilin Sternhof, Ingrid Mangulson (first level intermediate body), Hede Sinisaar Stakeholders: Estonian Food Bank (FB): Kerttu Olõkainen, Pieter Boerefijn, Rainis Lilleleht (Valga local food bank) Local government representatives (LG): Tamara Luigas (Jõhvi), Alla Ojavere (Narva), Ene Madissalu (Luunja), Eret Pank (Pärnumaa) The meeting was chaired by the European Commission. The stakeholders were present during the first part of the meeting. 09:30 – 11:20 Part I (European Commission, programme authorities, stakeholders) The Commission representative thanked the Estonian authorities for organising the meeting and for the good implementation of the OP. COM underlined the challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis affecting especially the most vulnerable in the society. COM appreciated the EUR 4,5 million top up from the REACT-EU to the existing FEAD funding of 8 million, which helps to mitigate the challenges the most deprived face in the society, especially with the Covid-19 crisis. Recently, several frameworks have been adopted that can help Member States, organisations, Local Governments in designing and implementing policies to reduce poverty: for example the European Child Guarantee, the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, The EU strategic framework for Roma inclusion and participation (2020-2030), The EU action plan against racism (2020-2025), The EU gender equality strategy (2020-2025). The establishment of the European platform to Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË — Tel. +32 22991111 combat homelessness, which brings together civil society, EU governments and institutions, will work towards eradicating homelessness by 2030. Support to the most deprived will continue to be an important priority in the future. MA also appreciated the additional support through REACT-EU and underlined the good cooperation with the Food Bank and the local governments. 2. Overview of the current situation with regards to the most deprived in Estonia MoSA provided a background presentation with statistics on poverty and social exclusion in Estonia. Regarding the EU2020 indicator of at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion, EE is amongst the average in the EU (2020 rate for EU27 was 21.9% and EE 22.8%). Although it was estimated this indicator would rise in EE, it decreased by 1.5%, compared to 2019 (EU27 in 2019 was 21.1%). The short-term measures taken to fight COVID-related unemployment and overall changes to the unemployment benefits have had a positive effect. At risk of poverty rate of the unemployed persons has been decreasing during last years and it may be the result of increasing the unemployment insurance benefit. COM asked about the statistics on child poverty and the underlying reasons behind it. MoSA replied that although overall the situation is not so bad compared to EU average, child poverty has recently increased in the single-parent families, as many of them work in the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-crisis. Another group negatively impacted are families with other dependants besides children, e.g. elderly with high care needs. There are regional disparities in incomes and situation is worse in areas with higher unemployment, especially in the Eastern and Southern part of Estonia. Overall, MoSA considers that the situation is improving, especially due to the large family allowance and other benefits. Nevertheless, these mechanisms still lack support to families with one child. 3. Overview of the programme implementation (presentation by the national authorities, Q&A) Follow-up of AIR 2020: Following AIR 2020, COM sent questions to the MoSA, on the reasons behind the decreased share of children over total supported FEAD beneficiaries in 2020 and secondly decrease of food prices per kilo/end recipient. First, MoSA explained the data issue: there is rather accurate statistics for purchased food in 2020, but for the donated food the data is rather an estimation. In addition, due to the additional child support for bigger families implemented in 2017-2018, some families fell out of the criteria for FEAD target group. The second question concerned the decrease of price of food per kilo and per end recipient (2020 vs 2019), whereas the number of food packages increased (increase about 45%). MoSA confirmed that the reason is the implementation of the food donations, which is cheaper and, at the same time, the quantities are bigger. One package of donated food is 10 kg and there are more receivers, thus the number of packaged has increased and food is less expensive. 2 Implementation of the programme: The target group remained largely the same. Recently persons applying for the refugee status have been added to the target group. At the moment, number of these people is quite small, less than 50 people. This includes people who have just entered the country and are currently staying in accommodation centres. 2020 was the first year where food donations were fully implemented in Estonia. The Partner organization for this activity is the Estonian Food Bank (FB). The budget for food donations has increased due to REACT-EU funds top-up. According to MoSA, the overall results of the implementation are good. Over 24 000 packages were distributed, 10kg per package on average. Challenges and solutions MoSA explained that there were regional imbalances in the distribution of food aid in 2020: some regions were over- and other underrepresented due to the different level of commitment from Local Governments. In addition, it was difficult to define which donated food receivers were part of the EU target group of FEAD. There are also problems with monitoring the unique number of receivers, because some may receive both (the purchased food and the donated food), and the demographic of the receivers (how many women, children, etc.). Overall food donations need more regional/local approach: there should be a network of LGs, NGOs, FBs to help find people in need. MoSA said that they have decided to make changes in the regional budget distribution. In the future, every county has a budget that takes into account the number of food aid receivers and also the unemployment rate in the region. As the target group based on LG benefit receivers only can be restricting, there will be more flexibility: social workers will evaluate the needs of persons/families and they are able to assign food aid as one of the supporting measures. EU donated food will be treated as equally as other LG services. The Social Benefits Informational system is currently being complemented to meet these new requirements and hopefully will be ready by April 2022. This will also give a better overview and reliable statists of all the food aid receivers and ease the workload on LGs, FBs. This secure system will also be accessible for FB to avoid that the lists with personal data is being sent by email. COM noted the importance of having a data system in place to count the total number of the FEAD end-receivers, and distinguish between receivers of the donated food and purchased food. MoSA replied that there is work still needed to be done with the new methodology and in IT-program development. COVID-19 crisis impact and sanitary restrictions: Aid receivers are now again allowed to come to the distribution centres and collect their food, but to limit the spread of the virus, FBs are pre-packing food in bags and the signatures are given by the food distributors instead of food aid recipients to avoid direct contact. Few COVID-outbreaks have happened amongst the staff in distribution centres, 3 but these have been effectively managed without interruption in the distribution of aid. The LGs provide FB staff with personal protection equipment (masks, etc.). FB explained that at the beginning of the pandemic, there were problems with the lack of donated food because shops (from whom 80% of the donations come from) faced supply issues. FB still met their requirements thanks to the food they were able to buy with donated money and food donated by restaurants/cafes. COM inquired why the target group of FEAD is decreasing whereas the target group of FB beneficiaries is increasing. MoSA suggested this might be related to the fact that some LGs are more active than others and expressed hope that this will be solved once the new system for donated food is in place and they can broaden the target group of donated food in 2022. Looking into the special issue of the rise of the elderly among the recipients, COM suggested reinforcing the provision of accompanying measures. MoSA confirmed that they plan expanding the accompanying measures in the future. REACT-EU: COM asked whether the additional funds (top-up of React-EU) will be absorbed fully and whether Estonian authorities anticipate problems. MoSA stated that they are convinced to be able to use all the allocation given that there is an increase of the distribution from two times to four times per year and some flexibilities inside the program. COM appreciated the good work done by the LGs and the FB and underlined the importance of the role of LGs and of social workers. 2021+ programming period The budget for the period 2021-2027 is altogether EUR 17 million, which is an increase compared to 2014-2020 period. The beneficiary will be the Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the scheme will continue with two main components of distributing purchased food and donated food. Indicative budget divide (not final yet) is 70% for bought food and 30% for distributing donated food. In addition, the accompanying measures will be offered to the recipients. Implementation of voucher scheme: After looking into the experiences of other MSs, MoSA explained the benefits of voucher scheme: broader selection of food, instant access to food, dignity, less administrative burden, less costs on logistics, storage, etc. LGs support this approach. Some LGs are already using this method and they are seeing positive effects. Shops have said that they consider the voucher system will be easy to implement within the framework of current systems. Food itself will be around 20% more expensive than right now. LGs will be the main actors in distributing the vouchers and offering accompanying measures. There will be an upper limit of the allocation per person per year. Special systems will be in place for vulnerable people who cannot shop themselves and for people living in very remote areas. Donated food: The intention is to have a more local approach, so that the donated food will be one aspect of other measures that could be offered, such as social activates helping people 4 feel part of the community. The discussions are still on-going whether there will be one or two more partners for distributing donated food. State of play: Preparation of the Programme and PA are in progress as of December 2021, and in parallel the national legal basis for conditions of support is being prepared. In addition, internal discussions with the partners take place. After the approval of the Programme, MoSA will start preparing procurements. A smaller pilot is planned in 2023 for implementing voucher scheme and identify technical issues. COM appreciated the overview and efforts made by Estonian authorities in preparations for the next programming period. For the first time, material deprivation will be incorporated in the multi-fund programme. COM encouraged to have relevant and separate discussions with possible partners and stakeholders, in order to guarantee the visibility for the priority of tackling material deprivation. COM encouraged MoSA to have more substantial description of the objectives and the scheme, compared to the previous Programme version. MoSA could also improve the description and the link with the accompanying measures. 11:20 – 12:00 Part II (Commission and the national authorities) Audit and anti-fraud issues: state of play provided by the audit authority The annual audit will be launched in the end of December. There are overall 11 payment claims in roughly EUR 1,5 million, with a sample size of 11%. The expenditure is related to the procurement regarding food donations and gathering. The results will be available at the end of January. Update of the court case between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the second level intermediate body Innove: 2nd level national court (Ringkonnakohus) made a finding where the financial correction stayed in force and the Ministry of Social Affairs decided to take this up to the Estonian National Supreme Court. The decision of the Estonian Supreme Court whether to take this up was still pending. COM asked, what would be the consequences in terms of financial correction in either scenario and what would be the impact and on the overall execution of FEAD. Estonian authorities indicated that this amount has been already deducted from the accounts. If the recovered amount is paid back to FEAD budget, MoSA can still use the funds. COM wanted to confirm whether the Certifying Authority is not planning to send any payment requests before the end of the year. The latter confirmed it shortly after the meeting via email. Follow-up: - Overview of the programme implementation: whereas there were some clarifications during the meeting, COM is interested to receive updated replies to some questions as a follow-up: o Difference between the regular clientele of the Food Bank (which has increased during the crisis) vs the FEAD target group (which has 5  remained largely the same). Is the FEAD target group much narrower and not covering all the need? o In the light of the recent sharp rise in energy prices, whether an impact is expected on the recipients of the FEAD target group? o During the meeting, the challenges with different level of commitment of local governments were presented. COM is interested to receive information on the results of the further meetings and discussions with LG-s on these challenges and if the situation is mitigated. - Regarding the issue of lack of data on the numbers and any overlap of recipients of donated food and bought food, COM is interested to get an update as soon as more accurate data is available. Annexes 1. Meeting Agenda 2. Poverty trends and subsistence minimum in Estonia, presentation by the Ministry of Social Affairs 3. FEAD programme implementation 2020, presentation by the Ministry of Social Affairs 6 Electronically signed on 25/02/2022 15:34 (UTC+01) in accordance with article 11 of Commission Decision C(2020) 4482 Ref. Ares(2021)6397617 - 19/10/2021 EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION Social Rights and Inclusion Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania The Head of Unit Brussels EMPL.D.5/KT/gd(2021)7223983 To be sent via SFC 2014 Subject: 2021 Annual Review meeting of the FEAD Operational Programme 2014EE05FMOP001 Dear Mr Karro, It is my pleasure to confirm the 2021 Annual Review Meeting of the Food and basic material assistance operational programme on 8 December 2021 via online meeting. Please find attached the proposed agenda. Should you have any comments or questions, we would be grateful to receive them by 12 November 2021. Please note that similarly to last year, we have divided the agenda in two parts – oral i.e. to be presented and discussed during the meeting and a written to which we would like to ask for your written contribution. We appreciate receiving the materials, for both written an oral part, at least two weeks before the meeting. In compliance with Article 14(2) of the FEAD Regulation, "the relevant stakeholders shall be invited to participate in the review meetings of OP I [..]". We therefore kindly ask you to send us the list of stakeholders for consultation at your earliest convenience and ensure that the invitations to the Annual Review Meeting are sent out to stakeholders before 17 November 2021. Stakeholders and local representatives should be invited to actively contribute where relevant. We also ask you to ensure the presence of the audit authority at the meeting. Electronically signed Muriel GUIN Mr Martin Karro Deputy Director-General State Shared Service Centre Lõkke 4, 10122 Tallinn, Estonia Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111  Agenda for the Annual Review Meeting 2021 of the Estonian FEAD Operational Programme, CCI 2014EE05FMOP001 Wednesday, 8 December 2021, 9:30-12:00 (Brussels time) via online (tbc) Video-conference regime and written procedure (due to the time and video format constraints some of the agenda items to be addressed by a written procedure) Key No Time Topic speakers 1. OPENING European Commission Objective: Outline the context and objectives of the meeting (EC) 9:30 – 9:40 Ministry of (10 min) Introductory words by: Social - Muriel Guin, Head of Unit, Directorate General for Affairs ORAL Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (MoSA), PROCEDURE - Ministry of Social Affairs, SSSC (MA) Managing Authority (MA) 2. OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE MOST DEPRIVED IN ESTONIA 9:40 – Written procedure: 10:00 - Changes of poverty and severe material deprivation (20 min) indicators, national policy developments with a MoSA ORAL AND potential influence on the situation WRITTEN PROCEDURE Questions (oral procedure) 3. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION Written procedure: - Follow-up of the Annual Implementation Report 2020 and the previous ARM; - financial and operational progress; - accompanying measures to fight social exclusion; - synergies (ESF, European Refugee Fund/Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund); - FEAD impact (changes in food poverty, uptake of the 10:00 – accompanying measures); 10:40 - evaluation plan and communication activities. (40 min) MoSA ORAL AND Oral procedure: WRITTEN - food donations; PROCEDURE - difficulties encountered in programme implementation and solutions found, potential risks for the future; - COVID-19 impact on the implementation of FEAD measures and lessons learned. Questions 2  4. PREPARATION FOR THE 2021-2027 PERIOD 10:40 – 11:20 (40 min) Preparation for the 2021-2027 period – state of play MoSA, MA ORAL PROCEDURE 5. AUDIT AND ANTI-FRAUD - Audit and anti-fraud issues: state of play provided by the audit authority 11:20 – - Follow-up and implications of the FEAD court case - 11:40 Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaalministeerium) v Audit (20 min) The State Shared Service Centre (Riigi Tugiteenuste Authority ORAL Keskus) (AA) PROCEDURE Questions 6. CONCLUSIONS 11:40 – 12:00 EC, MoSA, (20 min) Conclusions and closure of the meeting MA ORAL PROCEDURE 3 Electronically signed on 19/10/2021 11:53 (UTC+02) in accordance with article 11 of Commission Decision C(2020) 4482 Ref. Ares(2022)1441248 - 25/02/2022 Agenda for the Annual Review Meeting 2021 of the Estonian FEAD Operational Programme, CCI 2014EE05FMOP001 Wednesday, 8 December 2021, 9:30-12:00 (Brussels time) via online (tbc) Video-conference regime and written procedure (due to the time and video format constraints some of the agenda items to be addressed by a written procedure) Key No Time Topic speakers 1. OPENING European Commission Objective: Outline the context and objectives of the meeting (EC) 9:30 – 9:40 Ministry of (10 min) Introductory words by: Social - Muriel Guin, Head of Unit, Directorate General for Affairs ORAL Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (MoSA), PROCEDURE - Ministry of Social Affairs, SSSC (MA) Managing Authority (MA) 2. OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE MOST DEPRIVED IN ESTONIA 9:40 – Written procedure: 10:00 - Changes of poverty and severe material deprivation (20 min) indicators, national policy developments with a MoSA ORAL AND potential influence on the situation WRITTEN PROCEDURE Questions (oral procedure) 3. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION Written procedure: - Follow-up of the Annual Implementation Report 2020 and the previous ARM; - financial and operational progress; - accompanying measures to fight social exclusion; 10:00 – - synergies (ESF, European Refugee Fund/Asylum, 10:40 Migration and Integration Fund); (40 min) - FEAD impact (changes in food poverty, uptake of the MoSA ORAL AND accompanying measures); WRITTEN - evaluation plan and communication activities. PROCEDURE Oral procedure: - food donations; - difficulties encountered in programme implementation and solutions found, potential risks for the future; - COVID-19 impact on the implementation of FEAD Mr Martin Karro Deputy Director-General State Shared Service Centre Lõkke 4, 10122 Tallinn, Estonia European Commission B-1049 Brussels – Belgium / Europese Commissie, B-1049 Brussel -Belgie - Tel. (+32-2) 299.11.11  measures and lessons learned. Questions 4. PREPARATION FOR THE 2021-2027 PERIOD 10:40 – 11:20 (40 min) Preparation for the 2021-2027 period – state of play MoSA, MA ORAL PROCEDURE 5. AUDIT AND ANTI-FRAUD - Audit and anti-fraud issues: state of play provided by the audit authority 11:20 – - Follow-up and implications of the FEAD court case - 11:40 Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaalministeerium) v Audit (20 min) The State Shared Service Centre (Riigi Tugiteenuste Authority ORAL Keskus) (AA) PROCEDURE Questions 6. CONCLUSIONS 11:40 – 12:00 EC, MoSA, (20 min) Conclusions and closure of the meeting MA ORAL PROCEDURE 2 Ref. Ares(2022)1441248 - 25/02/2022 EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION Social Rights and Inclusion Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania The Head of Unit Brussels EMPL.D.5/RS/gd(2022)1609954 Mr Martin Karro Deputy Director-General State Shared Service Centre Lõkke 4 10122 Tallinn, Estonia Dear Mr Karro, Let me thank the Estonian managing authority as well as the Ministry of Social Affairs for having organised the 2021 Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the FEAD Operational Programme on 8 December 2021. I am pleased to forward to you the draft minutes of the above-mentioned meeting for comments. Your comments to the minutes are welcome as soon as possible but at the latest by 25 March 2022. Yours faithfully, Electronically signed Muriel GUIN Enclosure: Draft minutes of the 2021 Annual Review Meeting of the FEAD Operational Programme 2014EE05FMOP001 c.c.: K. Põial, Ministry of Social Affairs M. Sternhof, Ministry of Social Affairs I. Mangulson, Ministry of Social Affairs K. Nisamedtinov, Ministry of Finance Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111 Electronically signed on 25/02/2022 15:34 (UTC+01) in accordance with article 11 of Commission Decision C(2020) 4482