"A major strength of the book is its emphasis on new perspectives for research and policy development. ... performs a valuable service in covering so much ground so thoroughly." Journal of Social Policy "... currently the most authoritative account of the evolution of the indicators, their potential for analysis and the areas in which they could be strengthened." Martina Dieckhoff and Duncan Gallie, 'The renewed Lisbon Strategy and social exclusion policy', Industrial Relations Journal 38:6 "The clear setting and exposition of this book will ensure it proves a valuable resource to all actors engaged with the EU Social Inclusion Process and researchers in Social Policy and European Studies." Journal of Common Market Studies "The EU Heads of State and Government have committed in Lisbon to making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010. Even though the tools for fighting poverty and social exclusion rely primarily upon national actors, the Union is an active catalyst of their wills through sharpening diagnoses and highlighting the ways forward. The Union needs to become more aware of the linkages between its economic responsibilities and social cohesion. For this there is nothing more important than rigorous quantitative vigilance, of which this book is a clear illustration." Jacques Delors, former President of the European Commission, 1985-1995 "...this book addresses fundamental principles and policies underpinning our work." British Journal of Social Work "...the most authoritative account of the evolution of the indicators, their potential for analysis and the areas in which they could be strengthened." Industrial Relations Journal