Poverty affects one in five Europeans, including one in four children, while around 1 million people are homeless across the EU. The Commission has proposed new measures aimed at preventing poverty and housing exclusion, and supporting those already affected.
The EU’s first-ever anti-poverty strategy sets out a path towards the EU target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030, while supporting the longer-term goal of eradicating poverty by 2050. It focuses on quality jobs, access to services and income support, and more coordinated action.
As part of the strategy, the Commission will
- work with social partners to support people who face barriers to employment
- support older people through adequate pensions
- build a coalition against poverty with national, regional and local governments, businesses and civil society
- consult people experiencing poverty on policies that affect them
The Commission is also proposing to strengthen the European Child Guarantee, the EU’s main tool to support children in need through access to services such as education, healthcare and school meals. The new approach focuses on improving families’ access to quality jobs, childcare and strong safety nets, while expanding support for children through mentoring and mental healthcare.
Housing is another urgent challenge. With housing prices rising by 60% since 2013, the proposed recommendation on fighting housing exclusion promotes long-term solutions to the European housing crisis and calls for more social and affordable housing.
Together, these measures aim to strengthen social rights and help build a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
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