Intro Social exclusion is determined by a convergence of different socio-economic, cultural and institutional problems. Because of its complex nature, this issue, which has grown into different forms and contexts reaching an alarming depth and width, is essential to define the objectives and effectiveness criteria of international cooperation programmes aimed at the implementation of both actions to foster economic development and others intended to widen the opportunities to benefit from its effects in terms of well-being in the actual local contexts in which they are applied. The study and the analysis of programmes aimed at countering social exclusion, and the operational experiences in which they translate indicate among the main preconditions for success the ability to penetrate these contexts and changing their structure. The Equal project follows in this direction, and aims at fighting social discrimination in its various forms (in French Guyana social exclusion – the homeless, in Bratislava the employment issue, in Italy women’s reconciliation of life – work). In this sense the initiative against exclusion, targeting both the subjects themselves and their contexts, requires that special attention be paid to the organisational forms, concrete practices, and action methodologies in which they are declined, as well as to the necessary knowledge and skills. This is the starting point to investigate these issues, with a country-based analysis, and an examination and an evaluation of systems that work well and systems that present problems. It is only by studying and analysing the context that it will be possible to approach these vast issues and commit to finding solutions. This is the only way to fully implement the cross-border cooperation agreement.