While Europe is a prospering continent and while the Europe 2020 Strategy aims to turn the EU into an “inclusive economy delivering high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion”, poverty and social exclusion remain an un­deniable reality in most European countries: 80 million Europeans live below the poverty line, and many face serious obstacles in accessing employment, educa­tion, housing, social and financial services; 73% of Europeans feel that poverty in their country is widespread; and 15% of Europeans feel excluded of society. What is the role volunteering plays in the fight against poverty and social exclusion? Is volunteering inclusive itself and is its empowering potential used to the full? What recommendations can we formulate for more and better voluntary action in combating poverty and social exclusion, as well as for a better recognition of the role of volunteers in this area?This second CEV Symposium 2010 will be organised in Brussels in the frame­work of the Belgian Presidency of the EU. The event will be CEV’s contribu­tion to ensuring a legacy for the European Year of the fight against poverty and social exclusion 2010 – and to the kick-off for the European Year of Volunteering 2011.To register please visit the CEV website/CEV General assemblies section.