17/10/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 17 October, the international day for the eradication of poverty, the EU statistical office, Eurostat, published figures indicating that nearly 113 million people in the EU were threatened with poverty and exclusion – in other words, 22.5% of the European population, compared with 25% in 2012. Bulgaria (38.9%), Romania (35.7%) and Greece (34.8%) are the member states with the highest levels. Bulgaria (-5.9% compared with 2008) and Romania (-8.5%) nevertheless show a strong decline in the risk of poverty and exclusion. The Czech Republic (12.2%), Finland (15.7%) and Slovakia (16.3%) have the lowest levels of the risk of poverty. Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs Marianne Thyssen hailed these results but said there is "much work left" to be done. (PH)