Real Economy takes a look at what it means to be poor in Europe today and how the problem is likely to get worse because of the coronavirus crisis
The lives of the poorest people in Europe are severely constrained by a lack of resources. Often they cannot afford to:
- pay rent or basic utility bills.
- keep their homes warm.
- eat good quality food, like fish and meat.
- go for a week's holiday.
- run a car, own a washing machine or colour TV.
- pay for a telephone.
In 2019, 5.6% of the EU’s population found themselves in this situation. That's around 24 million people.
It's predicted the coronavirus pandemic will significantly increase the number of deprived people in Europe. This risk is especially high for young people, those with low levels of education, and single parent families, especially those headed by women.
Bulgaria (19,9%), Greece (15,9%) and Romania (12,6%) had the highest levels of severe deprivation in the EU last year.
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