2010 – European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

When the growth and jobs strategy was launched in March 2000, EU leaders pledged to make “a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty” by 2010.

And yet too many people still live in destitution with no access to basic services such as health care. 79 million Europeans live below the poverty threshold. This violates EU principles of solidarity and social justice.

In response, 2010 will be the “European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion”, to recognise that:

• all people have a right to live in dignity and take part in society
• the public and private sector share responsibility to combat poverty and social exclusion
• eradicating poverty for a more cohesive society benefits all
• commitment at all levels of society is needed to achieve this goal.

Planned activities

• awareness-raising campaigns and studies
• innovative schemes to promote social inclusion
• conferences
• competitions to identify success stories.

Activities will be identified and implemented at national level, involving civil society, local and regional authorities.