EU Member States must do more to give the more than 95 million Europeans who lived in or on the brink of poverty a decent life last year. They can do this by strengthening their social safety nets and by guiding more people to work, says European Commissioner for Social Affairs Nicolas Schmit.
A bag of money should be the last resort, because a job is better, but many people in or on the brink of poverty now do not have access to resources that are available, according to the European Commissioner. Due to, among other things, faltering systems around minimum incomes, 30 to 50 percent of Europeans in need leave money behind for which they are indeed eligible. This often concerns single-parent families. Another 20 percent are not eligible for an allowance or benefit.
poverty
In its recommendation to the Member States, Brussels advocates a decent income level by 2030, fair and clear criteria with user-friendly information about it and a decision on applications within 30 days. Member States can also help the target group by improving access to essential services such as health care, assisting job seekers (even more) with education and training and by helping employers with recruitment.
“More than one in every five Europeans is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Every country has a minimum income system, but it is not always adequate and accessible to those who need it,” said Schmit, underlining that the recommendation is independent of recent agreements on an increased minimum wage (because that is for workers) as well as high energy prices and inflation. .
Money is available through the social fund, among other things. Of the nearly 100 billion from that in the 2021-2027 period, at least a quarter should go to poverty reduction and social inclusion, according to the Commission.
Watch our news videos in the playlist below:
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on any of the stars.