Division 3 Other actions

• Community-wide surveys and studies, based on gender-disaggregated data collection where appropriate, to assess and report on the preparation, effectiveness and immediate and long-term impact of the European Year. To facilitate the identification of innovative solutions, one such survey will also gauge public opinion on policy to prevent and combat poverty and social exclusion, including, where appropriate, social protection systems, and on the potential role of the Union in the fight against poverty and exclusion. That survey will be conducted in 2009 so that its results can be presented at the Opening Conference of the European Year,

• The promotion of studies on the link between severe poverty and fundamental rights,

• Cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners in spreading information about the European Year as well as in actions aiming for long-term dialogue on social issues,

• Technical assistance to facilitate the transfer of learning,

• An evaluation report on the effectiveness and impact of the European Year.

Specific links could be established with the organisation of events at European and international level, in particular, by creating synergies between the European Year and the activities developed around the annual UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October.

The Commission may make use of technical and/or administrative assistance for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the participating countries, for example by financing outside expertise on a specific subject.