According to the latest Eurostat data released yesterday, 6.8% of the European Union’s population experienced severe material and social deprivation in 2023, a slight increase from 6.7% in 2022.
The report underscores significant disparities between EU member states, with some countries grappling with high levels of deprivation while others report markedly lower figures.
Severe material and social deprivation, as defined by Eurostat, refers to the inability to afford basic necessities such as adequate housing, heating, food, and essential services.
It also includes social exclusion, where individuals lack the resources to participate in social activities deemed necessary for a decent standard of living.
Romania and Bulgaria Lead in Deprivation Levels
Romania had the highest proportion of its population facing severe deprivation in 2023, with a staggering 19.8%. This is a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but it still underscores the ongoing economic struggles faced by a significant portion of its population.
Bulgaria followed closely with 18%, though the country made notable strides in reducing its deprivation levels. In 2022, 18.7% of Bulgarians experienced severe material and social deprivation, and this year’s decrease represents continued improvement.
A decade ago, Bulgaria had the highest rate of deprivation in the EU, with a figure of 36.8% in 2015. Over the years, the country has halved this rate, reflecting a long-term trend of positive development.
Greek citizens also faced substantial hardships, with 13.5% of the population living in severe deprivation in 2023, making Greece one of the hardest-hit countries in Southern Europe. Meanwhile, Hungary recorded a rate of 10.4%, and Spain saw a slight rise to 9%.
Countries with the Lowest Deprivation Rates
While several EU countries struggle with high deprivation levels, others have achieved comparatively low rates. Slovenia reported the lowest proportion of severely deprived citizens, with just 2% of the population experiencing deprivation in 2023.
Cyprus followed closely with 2.4%, while Sweden, Luxembourg, and Estonia each registered a deprivation rate of 2.5%.
These figures highlight the economic resilience of these nations, where robust social safety nets and a more equitable distribution of wealth have allowed citizens to maintain a decent standard of living despite the economic challenges posed by global inflation, rising energy costs, and other factors.
Bulgaria’s Path to Improvement
Bulgaria’s progress in reducing its deprivation rate offers a glimpse of hope for other EU countries facing similar challenges. In 2015, Bulgaria had the highest deprivation rate in the European Union, with more than one-third of the population unable to afford basic necessities.
Over the last nine years, the country has made significant efforts to improve its economic standing, cut poverty, and enhance the social safety net, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The reduction in Bulgaria’s deprivation rate from 36.8% in 2015 to 18% in 2023 is attributed to several factors, including improved employment opportunities, increased wages, and targeted government interventions aimed at alleviating poverty.
Additionally, the country has benefitted from various EU-funded programs designed to reduce inequality and promote social inclusion.
Bulgaria’s social policies have focused on expanding access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing, while various income-support programs have provided relief to low-income families.
These policies have played a key role in lifting many out of poverty, though challenges remain, especially in rural areas where deprivation levels continue to be higher than in urban centers.
Widening Inequalities Between Member States
The latest Eurostat data highlights the stark inequalities that exist within the European Union. While countries such as Slovenia, Sweden, and Luxembourg have made impressive strides in reducing deprivation, others, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe, continue to face significant challenges.
Economic disparities within the EU are partly driven by differences in industrial development, job market conditions, and the efficiency of social welfare systems.
Countries with stronger economies and more comprehensive social support structures, such as those in Northern and Western Europe, have been able to mitigate the impact of economic shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the current inflation crisis.
In contrast, countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece have struggled to provide sufficient economic opportunities and social support to their populations, leaving many citizens vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.
These countries often face structural issues such as high unemployment, low wages, and limited access to education and healthcare, which perpetuate cycles of deprivation.
The Role of EU Policies
The European Union has long sought to address inequalities through various mechanisms, including the European Social Fund, which supports employment and social inclusion initiatives across the bloc.
Additionally, the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility aims to help member states recover from the pandemic-induced economic crisis and build more inclusive societies.
However, critics argue that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of deprivation, particularly in poorer EU countries.
Greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare is essential to lifting vulnerable populations out of poverty and ensuring long-term economic stability. Moreover, some analysts call for reforms in the EU’s fiscal policies to allow more flexibility for countries to implement poverty-reduction strategies.
Looking Ahead
As the European Union continues to face economic challenges stemming from global inflation, energy crises, and geopolitical tensions, addressing severe material and social deprivation remains a critical priority.
While progress has been made in countries like Bulgaria, significant work remains to be done to ensure that all EU citizens can enjoy a decent standard of living.
The disparities revealed by Eurostat’s latest data underscore the need for continued solidarity and cooperation among EU member states to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion across the bloc.
As Europe looks toward the future, the challenge will be to create a more balanced and equitable union, where all citizens, regardless of their country of residence, have the opportunity to thrive.