Spain Faces Significant Poverty and Social Exclusion Rates Among EU Nations
According to data released in June 2024 by Eurostat, Spain ranks as the third country in the European Union with the highest population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The report highlights a troubling trend in socio-economic conditions across the continent.
In 2023, approximately 946 million individuals, representing 21% of the EU’s population, were identified as living in such precarious situations. This figure reflects a slight improvement from 2022, where the number was 953 million.
The report places Romania at the forefront of this crisis, with a staggering 32% of its population facing poverty risk or social exclusion. Bulgaria follows closely with 30%, while Spain stands at 27%. This is in stark contrast to the EU average of 21.4%, showcasing the significant disparities across member states.
The countries exhibiting the lowest at-risk populations are Finland, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, each with a commendable rate of just 12%. This stark contrast underscores the regional disparities in economic health and social stability within the EU.
Eurostat's research employs the AROPE (At Risk of Poverty or Exclusion) indicator to determine vulnerability. A person qualifies as at risk if they meet at least one of the three defined criteria: risk of poverty, severe material and social deprivation, and residing in a household with low work intensity.
As Spain grapples with these statistics, the government and various organizations are urged to implement effective measures to address the root causes of poverty and social exclusion, ensuring a more equitable and supportive society for all citizens.
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