"80 million citizens currently live below the poverty line, according to EU statistics. This figure is expected to increase because of the ongoing economic crisis, which is pushing unemployment to new highs.
The situation is worsening at a time when the EU has proclaimed 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion."
Reading these figures in EurActive's newsletter one of these days I was quite surprised. Eighty million? Really? In European Union? I know in many other parts of the world proportion of the poor is much higher, but still, the number of 80 million is huge.
Evidently, immigrants are among those that often lack education and language skills in order to adopt to the new milieu and improve social position of their families.
To help fight poverty, the European Economic and Social Committee, an EDU consultative body, held an international conference in Florence, Italy, to gather experts and decision-makers in the field of education and social exclusion.
Some of the proposals from the event included:
- teaching Muslim immigrants European languages in mosques to favour social integration
- supporting the education of women and young people
- backing life-long training
- supporting businesses that act in favour of social integration.
Issues discussed in Florence could be further explored by listening to these statements.
Apparently, European Union is not lacking its challenges related to eradicating poverty and social exclusion, and innovative solutions are needed just like in other parts of the world. Education is always the first step to take in that process.
Education is long term one
That’s why it has to start ASAP:)
Thanks, Larisa. Reminds me of something I read recently on changing the US’s poverty measure, saying that we are actually underestimating poverty within our borders. It’s important to avoid disconnecting with what’s going on in your own backyard.
Larisa, maybe if we learn to combat poverty home we will do better in developing world.
This is really important. I read somewhere that if the poor were a country, they would be Europe’s biggest. I think it is really important to remember that what we are really discussion on this blog is not the developing world, but issues like poverty, education, equal opportunities etc. , questions that concerns also Europe and the developed world.
If you’re interested in some graphs about this topic, read one of my previous posts: http://development.thinkaboutit.eu/index.php/think3/post/troubles_in_paradise_the_european_union_and_its_struggles_with_poverty/
Thanks Hanna, I had missed it previously. These are interesting data, that show in more detail social problems within EU. And ‘Troubles in Paradise’ is a great title.
Very important issue you are mentioning - glad you flagged it up. I think education is the key!