Establish an inclusive labour market to strengthen
social cohesion: eradicate poverty and agree
on a program for social inclusion © CE

2010 will be the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The relevant decision was formally adopted at the Council meeting on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs held in Luxembourg on 2 October 2008. It reflects an agreement reached with the European Parliament in June under the co-decision procedure.

The European Year will focus on the fundamental right of people in a situation of poverty to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. Their access to social, economic and cultural resources and services will be promoted. The initiative aims to give a reminder that fighting marginalisation is a collective responsibility and that society as a whole benefits from the eradication of poverty. It should help to raise public awareness of the subject, promote cross-border exchange of best practices and boost active inclusion policies in the member states. The EU will provide 17 million euros for actions to be undertaken in preparation for and during the year, such as events and campaigns at European and national level, surveys and studies.

The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the key commitments of the European Union. This was reaffirmed at the European Council meeting in Lisbon in March 2000, where heads of state and government agreed on steps to be taken to make "a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty" by 2010.

According to theJoint Reporton Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008, presented by the Council and the Commission to the European Council this spring, some 16% of EU citizens (78 million people) currently live at risk of poverty, with women more likely to be exposed than men. In most member states children and young people are facing an even higher risk.

Further information:

Council Press release (fr) (pdf)
Council webcast of Press conference

Forthcoming events:
Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 7 October in Luxembourg

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 9 and 10 October in Luxembourg