Mr. Romani Prodi meets ATD Fourth World : turning the fight against extreme poverty into a political priority for the European Union
On the 2nd June 2004, Mr. Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, met with Mr. Eugen Brand, General Delegate of the ATD Fourth World Movement and four other members of the organisation : Mrs. Gunda Macioti, Elena Flores, Françoise Barbier and Mr. Benoît Fabiani.
The ATD Fourth World delegation shared with Mr. Prodi some aspects of the daily life experiences of poorest Europeans. They raised questions with respect to the foundations and ambitions of the European Union (to be a society based on human rights, promoting sustainable development that combines in a well-balanced way economic growth, social harmony, and the protection of the environment…) so that these goals can be turned into reality, be of real benefit to all Europeans and so that Europe can be built through and with their participation.
Mr. Prodi told the delegation of his desire that national social policies be more supported by a strong commitment on the part of the Union for the eradicaton of extreme poverty.
To contribute to the implementation of a new culture of encounters and dialogue bringing together all segments of society, Mr. Prodi agreed to meet, on the occasion of the 17th October, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a delegation of the ATD Fourth World Movement including people in situations of poverty and others who support their daily struggle.
Eugen Brand stressed that, considering the challenges facing our societies, no person or institution can claim to have the answer on their own. What is at stake today is sharing all of our experiences and skills and thinking together about how to give one another appropriate support so that everyone can shoulder their responsibilites.
The meeting planned with the President of the Commission will provide an opportunity to:
- assert the necessity of placing the fight against extreme poverty at the heart of the political priorities of the Union and its member States
- to state again that the persistence of chronic poverty leading to social exclusion is a serious political issue that challenges the advance of democracy, peace and the respect of human rights for all.
It is by sharing key aspects of their daily life experiences that the delegates who will take part in this meeting will have the opportunity to explain how policies influence their lives, to express their suffering, their efforts and their dreams, and also the manner of how they want to contribute to building a Europe that ensures the dignity of all.
