In the context of the financial crisis and the European debt crisis,changes in the European social situations,including the demographic changes and those concerning the family structure,have posed serious challenges to the sustainability of the EU member states' social policies.Despite the fact that most of the policies in the social area fall under the competences of the member states,the EU has played positive roles in promoting employment,reforming labour market and combating poverty.In response to the financial crisis,the EU has made adjustments to the European Social Fund to better assist the member states in creating jobs and reducing unemployment. <<