On 27 June 2025, the EXIT project held an international meeting in Rome to explore how different parts of Europe are working to reduce inequality. Organised by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) and hosted by ARCI, the event brought together researchers, civil society organisations, and community experts from several countries.

The day began with a moving photo exhibition created by people who took part in earlier stages of the EXIT project. Their photos showed what inequality looks like in everyday life—sharing personal stories from rural and under-served communities.

Participants then took part in a World Café-style discussion, sharing practical ideas on how to support communities facing disadvantage and how to make sure their voices are heard in decision-making. Later sessions looked at what helps or hinders policy change, and how different national and local contexts affect what is possible.

The EXIT project combines fieldwork and policy analysis to offer real solutions for change. By working closely with communities and collecting evidence from the ground, it supports better, more responsive policies. Our goal is to fully support this approach—turning research into action that makes a real difference.

Interested in addressing territorial inequalities across Europe? Discover our latest working papers and policy brief to get useful insights.