Combating poverty and social exclusion ranks among the main objectives of the European Union and its Member States. In 2000, when the EU Lisbon Strategy for growths and jobs was launched, EU leaders pledged themselves to “making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty" by 2010. However, despite the efforts, yet too many people live in destitution with no access to basic services such as health care (79 million Europeans live below the poverty threshold). This conflicts with the EU principles of solidarity and social justice.

The European Year aims to reaffirm EU's commitment to making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty. Its main objectives are as follows:

• Recognition: recognise the fundamental right of persons experiencing poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to take an active part in society;

• Shared responsibility and participation: promote public support for social inclusion policies, emphasising collective and individual responsibility in combating poverty and social exclusion, and fostering commitment by all public and private actors;

• Cohesion: promote a more cohesive society, where no one doubts that society as a whole benefits from the eradication of poverty; and

• Commitment and practical action: renew the pledge of the EU and its Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion, and involve all levels of authority in the pursuit of that aim.

The EU decision identifies a number of priority areas for the Year: promote multidimensional strategies, fight child poverty, promote an inclusive labour market, education and training, address gender and age dimensions of poverty, ensure access to basic services, access to culture and leisure activities, overcome discrimination and promoting the integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities.

In addition, there are two transversal dimensions:  

Participation of civil society and people experiencing poverty should be taken in to account in all activities: and

Gender equality should be mainstreamed throughout the Year’s activities. 

How will the Year be organised?

• European level. The European Commission will coordinate the Year and look in particular at EU level actions. It will be assisted by an EU level Consultative Committee, composed of Member States representatives appointed by each National Implementing Body. NGOs will be consulted and involved in dialogue with the Commission itself.

• National level. In each Member State a National Implementing Body (NIB) has been appointed to manage the European Year activities in the country. In addition to defining the national work plan and priorities for the Year, it will also select national, regional and local initiatives that will receive funding.

• Consultation with civil society. Both EU institutions and the National Implementing Bodies (NIBs) must consult and maintain a dialogue with civil society. Consultation and dialogue mechanisms should be put in place at Member State level for the design and implementation of the Year.

• Countries. The Year is opened to Member States, candidate countries (Turkey, Croatia, Macedonia), countries from the Western Balkans, the European Free Trade Agreement (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and also those countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (with funding from the ENP instruments though). 
   

Planned activities

As for previous European Years, activities will take place both at European and national level, involving civil society, local and regional authorities. Measures include information, awareness-raising and educational campaigns, surveys and studies, innovative schemes to promote social inclusion, meetings and events, and competitions to identify success stories.

EU activities will include a common logo, opening and closing conference, information campaign, new communication tools, awareness on Community programmes and measures, links with educational institutions, European competitions, “ambassadors”, specific information website. 

The total EU budget is of 17 million euros of which 6.5 million will be already spent in 2009 (covering mostly EU level preparation activities, including meetings, and a EU wide communication campaign). 9 million will be allocated for national, local and regional activities.

Activities in Member States will be co-funded by the Commission, i.e. national, regional, local projects will be financed up to 50% by the EU budget. This means Member States have to commit public or private sources for at least 50% of the costs of activities.

Funding

The total EU budget is of 17 million euros of which 6.5 million will be already spent in 2009 (covering mostly EU level preparation activities, including meetings, and a EU wide communication campaign). 9 million will be allocated for national, local and regional activities.

Activities in Member States will be co-funded by the Commission, i.e. national, regional, local projects will be financed up to 50% by the EU budget. This means Member States have to commit public or private sources for at least 50% of the costs of activities.

> Read the decision of the European Year and other official documents 
> Go to the official website of the European Year

Foundations' contribution to poverty and social exclusion