On Thursday, the European Parliament emphasised the need for enhanced funding and improved coordination to effectively address poverty and social exclusion within the European Union. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) call on the European Commission to acknowledge poverty as a violation of human dignity in its forthcoming anti-poverty strategy. They stress the urgency of taking decisive action to eradicate poverty by 2035 at the latest.
In a report that received substantial support—385 votes in favour, 141 against, and 53 abstentions—MEPs also called for adequate budgetary resources to support anti-poverty initiatives within the EU’s long-term budget and for effective collaboration between the EU and its member states.
According to data from the European Commission, in 2024, approximately 93.3 million individuals in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, which includes 20 million children, equating to a quarter of the EU’s child population.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that in 2021, the European Parliament advocated for a comprehensive EU anti-poverty strategy, establishing ambitious targets to reduce poverty and eliminate extreme poverty in Europe by 2030.
“The anti-poverty strategy must be ambitious. It must address the structural causes of poverty, promote a fairer distribution of wealth, improve working conditions, ensure robust investment in public services, and guarantee access to decent housing for all. The active participation of people experiencing poverty in the design of the policies, as well as an adequate budget, are essential to achieve this,” said rapporteur João Oliveira (The Left, PT).
Child poverty
In light of the increasing number of children at risk of poverty, Parliament must enhance support for EU member states in implementing the European Child Guarantee. This initiative seeks to ensure that all children in need have access to essential services, including free healthcare, education, childcare, and nutritious food. To facilitate this goal, MEPs propose a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion for the European Child Guarantee. Furthermore, it is recommended that member states allocate a minimum of 5% of their European Social Fund+ resources to specific projects aimed at combating child poverty, with at least 10% allocated to countries where child poverty and social exclusion rates exceed the EU average.
Employment to fight poverty
MEPs emphasise that achieving full employment and ensuring social protection should be fundamental objectives within economic and social policies. They propose that the European Commission and EU member states actively promote initiatives to safeguard labour rights and guarantee fair wages, including the principle of equal pay for equal work. To address poverty among employed individuals, MEPs advocate for greater access to childcare services and tailored career guidance.
Universal access to public services
The European Parliament is calling on the Commission and member states to enhance public investment in policies that guarantee universal access to housing, food, water, sanitation, energy, and transportation. Such investments have the potential to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty and foster greater social integration and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the Parliament is advocating the development of an action plan to eradicate homelessness across the EU by 2030. This plan should incorporate targeted measures for vulnerable groups, including children, families, displaced workers, and women.
In addition, the report highlights the importance of initiatives that promote the political engagement of individuals experiencing poverty, ensuring their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes and in the implementation and assessment of policies that impact their lives.
