"EU provides a framework through which Member States develop their own strategies to tackle poverty and social exclusion. It also oversees policy coordination activities, which draw in contributions from NGOs, social partners, local government and other stakeholders.A clear consensus for action has formed in recent years, which focuses on eradicating child poverty, getting people into the jobs market, ensuring everyone has access to good housing, and fighting discrimination and over-indebtedness.
The EU treats poverty and social exclusion as a priority area in its renewed social agenda, which was adopted in July 2008, as well as in its strategy to create growth and jobs.
EU funding mechanisms such as PROGRESS and the European Social Fund provide much needed financing for local action to combat social exclusion.
A year for awareness-raising and action
Because of the recession, Europe may have to cope with an extra six million jobless people in the next few years, which could leave more people with increased debts, on the breadline, or homeless.
The 2010 European Year has a budget of €17 million and will raise awareness about these and many related issues.
Events will take place all over Europe and will bring together stakeholders from local to European level, such as governments, media, civil society, social partners and people experiencing poverty, Together they will work on finding ways to mainstream poverty and social exclusion across a range of policy areas.
One key theme is how to stop poverty being ‘passed on’ from generation to generation by focusing on the needs of large families, single parents and families caring for dependents.
Digital literacy training and the promotion of equal access to IT will feature strongly as the Year highlights the value of education and training in combating poverty and joblessness.
The Year also aims to help immigrants, ethnic groups and other vulnerable people who face social exclusion. The objective is to improve their access to vital public resources, which can provide essentials such as decent health services and accommodation.
Other issues to be covered include: in-work poverty and how to make work pay; improving access to cultural and leisure facilities; and age and gender dimensions to poverty."
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