Congress of European Municipalities and Regions

Despite the European target of “lifting at least 20 million people out of the risk of poverty and social exclusion by 2020 compared to 2008”, almost every fourth person in the EU was still at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2013.

To debate this issue, come to our session on “Fighting poverty and social exclusion: what role for cities and regions?” on Thursday 21 April from 2 to 3.30 pm at the CEMR Congress in Nicosia.



The session will address the main issues concerning poverty in towns and regions, and how some groups of people are particularly vulnerable: women, youth, the elderly and migrants.

Participants will also be able to exchange ideas and best practices; and discuss how cooperation and partnerships with other government levels can be essential to address poverty and social exclusion.

This session will be moderated by Jens Dangschat, Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Joint Programme Initiative “More Years – Better Lives”.

Among the speakers are:

•    Luc Martens, CEMR Vice-President, Mayor of Roeselare, President of the Association of Flemish local authorities
•    Melia Avraam, Municipal Councillor, President of the Social Welfare Committee of Nicosia
•    Maria Stratigaki, Vice Mayor of Athens for Social Solidarity, Welfare & Equality

You can already take part in the debate on Twitter with our hashtag #CEMR2016.