Problems that arise from living in poverty may include not having enough money to spend on food and clothes, poor housing conditions, homelessness, and limited lifestyle choices that may lead to social exclusion.
The objectives were to raise public awareness about these issues and renew the political commitment of the EU and its Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Civil society organisations and social partners joined participating countries and the European Commission to run activities throughout 2010.
Two European-level conferences took take place in January and December; an art initiative built a bridge between people experiencing poverty and social exclusion and the creative world; while a journalist competition rewarded the best articles about poverty and social exclusion in Europe.
Along with public figures, people who have experienced poverty acted as campaign ambassadors, which raised visibility and credibility for the Year's activities.