Event

In the context of the 'European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion', the Committee of the Regions invites public authorities, organisations and EU institutions to exchange good practice and expertise on innovative approaches combating poverty and social exclusion at local level. Even in view of somewhat brighter economic forecasts at the end of 2009, the sharp increase of public budget deficits and an expected increase of unemployment will possibly cause serious consequences in 2010 for Europe's regions and cities.

In the European Union, about 80 million people live in poverty. This is of particular concern for local and regional authorities, as they have basic responsibility for framing, funding and carrying out policies designed to guarantee the integration of people who are socially, economically or culturally excluded. Local and regional aspects of the fight against poverty and social exclusion have been subject to recent Opinions of the Committee of the Regions, in particular as regards local aspects and lasting effects of related EU initiatives.

On the eve of its Plenary Session on 9 and 10 June 2010, the Committee of the Regions invites the Members of the Committee of the Regions, other interested regional and local representatives and experts to discuss initiatives and good practice in the fight against poverty and social exclusion in order to increase awareness of the regional and local level when it comes to formulate European responses. To facilitate exchange of good regional practice, the Members of the Committee would be invited to propose projects in the field of social innovation from their constituencies.