Brussels, 18/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The EU's active inclusion strategy and its incorporation in the new EU 2020 strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth were the main topics of discussion at the ninth European round table on poverty and social exclusion in Brussels on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 October in connection with World Reject Poverty Day on 17 October (see EUROPE 10237). The round table provided a genuine discussion platform for representatives of government, EU institutions, NGOs, trade unions, employers, independent experts and ordinary people living in poverty. The meeting was attended by the King of Belgium, Albert II, and Queen Paola, and is to be followed by an informal meeting of EU social affairs ministers in the afternoon of Tuesday 19 October. A big event is being organised from 18 to 20 October at the “Halles de Schaerbeek” forum in Brussels on building an inclusive society. On Monday 18, no fewer than six different circus schools will be performing in an interactive visual show. Basketball players from the area of Molenbeek in Brussels, accompanied by jugglers, trapeze artists and tightrope walkers from Berlin, Belfast, Paris and Budapest will join forces to help boost the European Year of Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010).
On Tuesday 19, visits will be organised in the outskirts of Brussels to see how the fight against social exclusion is being carried out. An interactive forum will be held in the afternoon. The European Commission, the Belgian anti-poverty department, the German federal labour ministry and its French counterpart will describe anti-poverty priorities for 2010. The director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), Fintan Farrell, and Antonia Carparelli from the European Commission will set out the prospects of future action.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, interactive workshops will be held to explain the various aspects of dealing with social exclusion and carrying out anti-poverty work, like how to deal with mental health issues and how heavily indebted families can improve their lot. (G.B./transl.fl)