02 July 2015 Bilbao CampusThe University hosted the Congress and Assembly of the European Network for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion -EAPN Europe from 2 to 4 July. Some 150 people from the entire network took part, with 32 national representatives and 180 European networks attending this event. The aim was to assess social policy on housing and guaranteed income supplements implemented in the European Union and its member states. The opening session was held on 3 July. Speakers included Rector José María Guibert, Basque President Iñigo Urkullu, Bilbao Mayor José Maria Aburtu, the Director General of Family and Children's Services, Salomé Adroher, the European Commission-Policy officer at the GD of Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility representative, and Sergio Aires, President of EAPN Basque Country. The European Anti Poverty Network- EAPN is an independent coalition of NGOs and other groups involved in the fight against poverty and social exclusion in the European Union member states. This coalition was created in December 1990 by groups that work in the European Union with people who live in poverty and exclusion and became an advisory body to the Council of Europe. EAPN is also a founding member of the European Social Platform. The EAPN is committed to the eradication of poverty and social excluison while seeking to allow those affected to exercise their rights and obligations and end their isolation. Its key objective is to place both issues at the centre of European Union political debate. .