Brussels, 16/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The closing conference of the European Year Against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010 is taking place on Friday 17 December in Brussels. It is being organised by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission and aims to outline good practice and present flagship events that have taken place this year. The conference will end with the signing of a solemn declaration by EU27 ministers and/or secretaries of state for social affairs, the economy and education, attending this event. This declaration will express a firm commitment that member states can make in the fight against poverty in Europe.
A delegation of people experiencing poverty, as well as the charities representing them, will send a message to the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, “calling for a more inclusive and fairer Europe”. The European prize awarded to journalists who help break down prejudice towards people living in poverty will be presented by Commissioner László Andor (Employment, Social Affairs, Inclusion) at this event and by Lesley-Anne Knight, the European Ambassador for the European Year activities.
The plenary session takes place in the morning and will be attended by Princess Astrid of Belgium, as well as the Belgian secretary of state for social integration and the fight against poverty, Philippe Courard, Commissioner László Andor, the president of the EAPN/Coalition of NGOs for the European Year, Ludo Horemans and ministers and/secretaries of state from participating countries.
The closing session will take place in the afternoon (2.45pm - 3.15pm). Belgian Prime Minister, Yves Leterme, Vice -President of the European Parliament Isabelle Durant, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso will participate in this session. The panel moderator will be László Andor and the final declaration will be signed by all ministers present. Philippe Courard will bring the work to a close. (G. B./transl.fl)