In light of the Lisbon Strategy's failure to address poverty (a risk faced by16% of the EU population) TSEN is calling for the fight against social exclusion as a strategic objective of the strategy that will guide the Union for the next 10 years.

While there may be potential for inclusion by reading further into concepts such as Green Jobs, the Consultation document fails to provide clear direction for combating poverty and social exclusion.

TSEN echoes the calls of EAPN and The Spring Alliance for the delay of publication of the formal proposal (due February 2010). This will enable the proper contribution of civil society to the development of EU2020 strategy.

Download the TSEN Response to EU2020 Consultation

Download the Commission's Overview of Responses to the Consultation

TSEN in partnership with DWP, South West Forum, and South West Action on Poverty, are continuing the series of events building momentum for the European Year Against Poverty 2010.

The first of the series to be held in the European Year proper, will take place Thursday 25 February 2010 at the Winter Gardens, Weston Super Mare, Somerset.

Focus will be to raise awareness of poverty particularly in rural and coastal communities and explore ways to engage a breadth of stakeholders to increase activity to combat poverty.

South West Forum Event Notice

Combating Poverty 2010 - Event Flyer