On Monday 28 July, the European Commission launched a consultation running until 24 October to prepare the first EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, scheduled for early 2026.
This strategy “will also play a pivotal role in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, as the EU strives to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty by at least 15 million by 2030”, explains the Commission in a press release.
It would include: - new initiatives along a social investment perspective (to prevent, protect and support pathways out of poverty); - the acceleration of implementation of existing initiatives (while considering simplification where possible); - identifying investments and reforms which contribute to reducing poverty and scaling up good practices; - wider use of distributional impact assessment and mainstreaming in other policies, governance and improved monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of policies”.
One adult in five and one child in four are at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU. “Poverty is more likely to affect women and people who are in vulnerable situations, like those unemployed or working at precarious jobs, the low skilled, persons with disabilities, migrant and ethnic minority communities and the homeless”, explains the consultation.
The number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion fell by around 2.7 million between 2019 and 2024. “Reaching a reduction of 15 million by 2030 remains within reach, however this will require substantial efforts”.
For further information: https://aeur.eu/f/i0p (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)