Why focus on ending poverty across the world when we seem to have so many problems back home? Here are a few reasons... • the economic argument - by lifting others out of poverty we create markets and generate economic growth – not just for ourselves and the European Union but for the global community, • the security argument

In the current economic crisis, and with 78 million people at risk of poverty in the EU, it is more important than ever that the EU in its Member States demonstrate a clear commitment that the social needs and rights of people are not subservient to needs of the economy.