The 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (EY2010) is supporting the work of the EU and its Member States to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups in society.

Those most at risk of poverty include older people, large and single-parent families, children and young people, people with disabilities, immigrants and those from ethnic minorities (including Europe's 10 to 12 million strong Roma community). Across all of these groups, women are more exposed to poverty and social exclusion than men.

Compared to the majority of Europeans, people from vulnerable groups are far more likely to have to cope with poor housing, homelessness, unemployment, low educational attainment, financial exclusion and over-indebtedness.

The reason why some sections of society are more at risk depends on a number of factors and circumstances.

For example, not earning enough despite being in paid employment can result in large and single-parent families living at or below the poverty line. Likewise, having limited or no access to adequate child-care can make it difficult for parents to meet the demands of both work and family life.

This situation contributes to the fact that about 19 million children in the EU live in poverty.

At the other end of the age scale, about 19% of EU residents aged 65 and over are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This is often because their pensions do not adequately cover their living costs. Older people are also at great risk of social isolation, especially if they live alone.

How is the EU helping?

The EU provides a framework to help Member States develop actions and strategies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

Over recent years, the focus for policy development has covered diverse areas such as eliminating child poverty and poverty within families; promoting inclusive access to labour markets, education and training; tackling financial exclusion; and confronting discrimination.

The Commission's new Europe 2020 strategy for a social market economy has made inclusive growth a priority target area. The aim is to foster high employment while promoting social cohesion. Proposals include developing a ‘European platform against poverty'.

The European Employment Strategy also provides Member States with a remit to provide better jobs for all Europeans, including those who find it hard to access the labour market such as immigrants and people with disabilities.

The EU has asked Member States to develop policies for active inclusion, which should help people who are able to work get a job while ensuring those who cannot work receive adequate income support so they can lead fulfilling lives. Improved access to good quality social services, such as child-care and decent housing, forms an essential part of the active inclusion package.

And in a bid to tackle financial exclusion, the Commission has produced proposals to ensure that everyone has access to a basic bank account.

In addition, the EU's anti-discrimination legislation provides protection for groups that are vulnerable to poverty and exclusion. For example, the Employment Equality Directive helps people with disabilities in the labour market. The Racial Equality Directive bans discrimination on grounds of race or ethnic origin both in the workplace and in other areas of life, such as access to goods and services.

Bringing EY2010 to life

Hundreds of events are taking place across Europe to raise awareness about poverty and social exclusion.

At European level, activities include the Art Partner Project which brings together artists and people who are experiencing poverty. By working together, participants will produce photographs that explore poverty and social exclusion. An exhibition of completed works will be held in Brussels in November 2010.

Print, online and audiovisual journalists have been invited to take part in a competition centred on reporting themes from EY2010. The competition jury will be looking for the most newsworthy and original reports. Prizes range from €800 to €4,500. More on EY2010 events.