2010 to be the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

79 million people in the European Union – or 16% of the population – currently live at risk of poverty. This violates EU principles of solidarity and social justice. In response, the European Commission has designated 2010 as the "European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion". The 2010 European Year aims to reach EU citizens and all public, social and economic stakeholders.

Four cross-disciplinary objectives will lie at the heart of this European Year:
* 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.

The € 17 million campaign aims to reaffirm the EU's initial commitment at the start of the Lisbon strategy, in 2000, to making a 'decisive impact on the eradication of poverty' by 2010. The European Year also launches a process that had been announced in the Social Agenda 2005-2010.

Each year since 1983, Europe has initiated a "European Year" awareness campaign designed to inform the citizens of Europe and dialogue with them to work for change in mentalities and behaviour. These European years also provide opportunities for drawing the attention of national governments to societal themes. 2009 is the European Year for Creativity and Innovation. In 2008, the Union celebrated the European Year of multicultural dialogue and in 2007 equality of opportunity was to the fore.

For further information:
http://2010againstpoverty.europa.eu