Two days before this launch, the EY2010 NGO Coalition held a press conference to mark EY2010 and to remind decision makers that poverty is increasing and gaining a foothold in Europe. Eurostat latest poverty survey indicates that 17% of people across the EU (some 80 million people) currently live below the poverty line, facing serious obstacles in accessing employment, education, housing, as well as social and financial services.

Europeans are very much aware of poverty as it is increasingly manifesting itself on the streets of all major European cities. As unemployment is rising and a widespread social malaise is increasing, poverty must be considered as a major problem by decision makers in Europe.

Caritas Europa wants to provide an active and solid contribution to EY2010, and will therefore launch on 27 January its own campaign:  Zero Poverty -  Act Now. This campaign will also be a grassroots movement through which citizens from all over Europe will call on European, national, regional and local decision-makers to commit to:

-          Eradicate child poverty in Europe

-          Ensure a minimum level of social protection to everyone

-          Increase the provision of social and healthcare services

-          Ensure decent jobs for all

Caritas Europa works relentlessly to reach the target zero poverty.  It considers that poverty is a scandal and no one should live in it in a world that is richer than ever.