Social Europe in an Uncertain World

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Persistently high poverty rates among children and older persons in the European Union should ring alarm bells for policymakers.  The ageing of Europe’s population, the fact that there are many more women than men in this group, and the very great differentials between countries make poverty amongst older people (especially in some countries) is an issue that requires more attention now and in the future.  This is a key finding of ‘Social Europe in an Uncertain World’ the latest report in Social Justice Ireland’s European Research Series. 

 

'Social Europe in an Uncertain World’ reviews the social situation in the 27 EU member states and makes some proposals and recommendations for a more sustainable and inclusive future.  This report examines recent social developments against the backdrop of global shocks reframing the contemporary world

Older persons

Almost 15.7 million older people (16.7 per cent) in the EU are living in poverty, with almost twice as many older women being affected than older men.  This trend of persistently high poverty among older people is of significant concern, given that populations are ageing at an unprecedented rate and that there are many more older women than older men and they tend to have poorer pension provision.

There is a significant gender difference between men and women at older ages, with risk of poverty affecting far more women (9.9 million women) than men (5.7 million).  In addition, the pension gap between men and women across the EU remains large and is likely to persist, and people who are in non-standard work or are self-employed often face less favourable conditions for accessing and accruing pension rights. The growth of precarious work situations makes this an issue of increasing concern. 

Children

More than 15.6 million children (19.4 per cent) in the EU are living in poverty.  Reflecting patterns which have failed to meaningfully change since 2010, one fifth of Europe’s children and their families continue to live in situations of income poverty.  It is clear that the dangers of ongoing high levels of child poverty, social exclusion and deprivation are very serious. Poverty tends to persist over time and be transmitted across generations, which means that children born into poverty bear a higher risk of poverty in adult life than the average population.

Summary of some key findings 

  • 11.9 million people unemployed in EU 27.
  • 4 million people long-term unemployed.
  • 2.9 million young people aged under 25 unemployed (highest in Spain, Greece and Italy)
  • 71.7 million people living in poverty (200,000 more people than in 2010) - of whom over 15.6 million are children (one fifth of Europe’s children are living in poverty).
  • Almost one in ten employed people (8.3 per cent) in the EU were living in poverty.

Older people:

  • Over 16 per cent of people over 65 were at risk of poverty in the EU in 2023.  This amounts to 15.7 million older people.
  • There is a significant gender difference at older ages, with risk of poverty affecting far more women (9.9 million) than men (5.7 million).
  • The highest rates occurred in some of the newer accession countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Croatia and Bulgaria. The lowest rates were seen in Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Children:

  • Close to one-fifth (19.4 per cent) of children in Europe (15.6 million) are living in poverty.
  • Four member states have child poverty rates above 25 per cent; Romania, Spain, Bulgaria and Italy.
  • Ongoing high levels of poverty or social exclusion amongst children is one of the most challenging and serious issues faced by Europe, not least because it can affect the rest of one’s life and a tendency to live in poverty can be passed on to future generations. 

In-work poverty:

  • Close to one-in-ten employed people in the EU live in poverty on an ongoing basis.
  • In work poverty affected 8.3 per cent of employed people (aged 18+) in the EU in 2023. Getting people into work is not always sufficient to lift them out of poverty.
  • Some groups are particularly affected (including younger people, people with lower education levels, and non-standard workers, poor households with children including lone parents). 

Recommendations

This report points to the need to develop a social welfare and support system that can adapt to changing realities and withstand future shocks.  Minimum income schemes, adequate investment and access to quality services are essential prerequisites to future European prosperity, not barriers to it.   This research series has consistently shown that a more integrated social dimension across the European Union is required to meet the challenges of the present. 

The ageing of Europe’s population, the fact that there are many more women than men in this group, and the very great differentials between countries make poverty amongst older people (especially in some countries) is an issue that requires more attention now and in the future. The situation of children and of those who work and still live in poverty must be tackled as a matter of urgency.  Economic issues are still allowed to dominate social and environmental issues, and this must change.   Leadership at EU level in relation to vulnerable groups is critical not just to the future economic and social outlook but also to the democratic future of Europe.