Events
Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
Combating poverty and social exclusion ranks among the main objectives of the European Union and its Member States. In March 2000, at the launching of the Lisbon Strategy, the Heads of State and Government pledged themselves to making a ‘decisive impact on the eradication of poverty’ by the year 2010.
Despite the efforts deployed, a significant proportion of the European population still lives in destitution and has no access to basic services such as health care. This state of affairs clearly conflicts with the European Union’s common values of solidarity and social justice.
In keeping with the commitment of the Lisbon Strategy, the European Commission has designated 2010 as the European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010 aims to raise public awareness of the importance of combating poverty and social exclusion for personal, social and economic development. It will also aim to give a voice to those who experience poverty and social exclusion.
Activities will seek to raise awareness, promote and facilitate the engagement of those who have a role to play in developing and delivering solutions and to ensure a lasting legacy from the Year.
Read more about how the Year will be marked in the United Kingdom on the DWP website
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.European Years
Each year since 1983, Europe has promoted a ‘European Year’ awareness campaign designed to inform European citizens and initiate change in attitudes and behaviours. These European Years also provide opportunities for drawing the attention of national and regional governments to societal themes.
Previous European Years:
2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation
2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
Opportunity Europe 2009
2009 marked the sixth annual Opportunity Europe, which took place on 20-21 October in St George’s Market. The fair and exhibition provided students, teachers and the general public the chance to learn about the benefits of language learning and the opportunities to work, study, travel or volunteer in other European countries.
In addition to over 30 exhibitors, a variety of short, 30 minute workshops were offered over the two days on a variety of topics including:
- How to spend part of a degree course in another country through the Erasmus programme;
- What Northern Ireland’s Economic and Social Committee members, Jane Morrice and Mike Smyth, role on the Committee involves; and
- How to say a few words in Lithuanian, Polish and Flemish (to name a few of the European language tasters on offer!).
In addition to the European theme, the event also marked the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation with relevant workshops and activities. As well as ongoing art workshops, the ‘Creative Industries Zone’ featured workshops about reality gaming, trends in graphic design, animation, the local music industry and the development of iphone games.
See the full programme (PDF 499KB) of events.
For details on how to book workshops, visit the Europa website.
.Executive Publishes European Policy Priorities
The Northern Ireland Executive has published its ‘Priorities for European Engagement.’ (PDF 3MB)
First Minister Peter D. Robinson, MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP, MLA, travelled to Brussels on 31 March 2009 to meet European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. Accompanied by Junior Ministers Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly, the Ministers presented the Executive’s Action Plan outlining its priorities for European policy and funding.
The Action Plan is the Executive’s response to the European Commission’s Barroso Task Force Report.
This is the first time the Executive has agreed its collective European policy and programme priorities. This Action Plan marks a commitment to engage more effectively with the European Union, and its policies and initiatives, to help us achieve our Programme for Government priorities, particularly in relation to growing a dynamic, innovative economy and helping us achieve a shared, better and sustainable future for all.
Mr Robinson said: “We very much welcome President Barroso’s interest and commitment to Northern Ireland. In coming to Brussels to present our Action Plan we are demonstrating that we are working positively with our European partners to increase prosperity for all in Northern Ireland.”
Mr McGuinness said: “We recognise the vital contribution the European Union makes to the economy and wellbeing of our island. We offer one of the most competitive business opportunities in Western Europe and we want Europe to recognise that we are a dynamic, innovative region with a tremendous amount to offer.”
An End of Year Report 2008/09 (PDF 1.41MB) on progress against key targets and activities was released by Ministers on 21 September 2009.
Junior Minister Gerry Kelly MLA, led a delegation of senior officials to Brussels to provide an update report regarding ongoing work on the Barroso Taskforce.
