Each year the European Commission designates a "European Year" dedicated to raising awareness about a particular social issue. 2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, recognising the fact that 17% of the EU's population - over 84 million people - live below the poverty line.

The Year is based on 4 key principles:

• 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.

Throughout 2010 events and activities will take place across Europe to increase public awareness of the existence of poverty and social exclusion, how it affects people and societies, and how it can be eliminated. The Year also aims to give a voice to those experiencing poverty and social exclusion by encouraging marginalised groups and disadvantaged communities to get involved in organising and participating in events.

The Year was formally launched in Madrid on 21 January 2010 and was launched in Ireland on 5 February 2010 in Dublin Castle.

In Ireland, EY2010 is co-ordinated by the Social Inclusion Division of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

More Information

• EY2010 website
  
  
• EY2010 information on welfare.ie
• European Anti-Poverty Network
• Office for Social Inclusion

Publications

• Information on the European Year in Ireland and a timetable of events:
• European Commission's EY2010 Factsheet:
• EY2010 Framework Document:
• Eurobarometer Survey on Poverty and Exclusion in Europe (2007):
• Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion: a statistical portrait of the European Union 2010:
• Council Declaration on The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion: Working together to fight poverty in 2010 and beyond:

Contact

Social Inclusion Division, Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs: EY2010@pobail.ie

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Social Inclusion Division Department of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs Floor 5 Dún Aimhirgin 43-49 Mespil Road Dublin 4	Tel: 353 1 647 3250	mail: socialinclusion@pobail.ie web: www.combatpoverty.ie
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