Inspired by its founding principle of solidarity, the European Union has joined forces with its Member States to make 2010 the European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. In this context, Neighbours' Day is a great opportunity to raise all participants' awareness about those issues.
"By encouraging the inhabitants of a same building or street to get together around a lunch or dinner, to speak to each other and to share their experiences, concerns and interests, the European Neighbours' Day initiative fosters solidarity, friendship and cohesion in our cities. On a different level, the EUROCITIES network of large European cities is pursuing similar goals, as it encourages political and technical dialogue among its member cities, facilitates the exchange of expertise and good practices, and contributes to the emergence of common views among Europe's local governments. It is therefore natural for EUROCITIES to warmly support the European Neighbours' Day initiative."
Gérard Collomb, EUROCITIES President 2006-2008, Mayor of Lyon
"As social housing providers, our vision is of a Europe where communities are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable and where all are enabled to reach their full potential. European Neighbours' Day is a practical way to bring communities together and instil solidarity among neighbours and we encourage everyone to take part in an initiative that is improving neighbourhoods across Europe."
David ORR, President