Overcoming Inequality: EU Strategies to Tackle Poverty and Marginalization

The report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre highlights persistent multidimensional poverty across the EU, with vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and Roma communities in Bulgaria facing systemic deprivation in income, housing, and education. It emphasizes the need for targeted, evidence-based policies to address structural inequalities and achieve poverty reduction goals by 2030.

The report, prepared by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Indicators Sub-Group (ISG) of the Social Protection Committee, offers a deep dive into the state of multidimensional poverty across the European Union (EU). It uses data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) to analyze poverty trends, risk factors, and the experiences of marginalized groups, with a focus on the Roma community in Bulgaria. The study highlights disparities between countries and within specific populations, providing a detailed examination of the underlying structural inequalities that fuel poverty and exclusion.

Despite progress in reducing monetary poverty, significant inequalities persist across the EU. Nations such as Bulgaria and Romania struggle with higher poverty rates compared to wealthier member states like Belgium and Czechia. Vulnerable groups, particularly children, the elderly, and rural populations, remain disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion. The EU has implemented the At-Risk-of-Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE) indicator to monitor poverty reduction efforts. This framework integrates three key dimensions—monetary poverty, low work intensity, and severe material deprivation—to offer a comprehensive assessment of social exclusion. Recent reforms to AROPE aim to enhance its accuracy and expand its scope, including updated metrics and a broader understanding of deprivation.

The Marginalization of the Roma Population

The Roma community, particularly in Bulgaria, emerges as one of the most disadvantaged groups in the EU. The report reveals that nearly half of the Roma population in Bulgaria experiences both monetary poverty and material deprivation simultaneously. Many face systemic barriers, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and adequate housing. These challenges exacerbate their social and economic exclusion, trapping them in cycles of intergenerational poverty.

Roma households, often larger and located in rural or underdeveloped areas, face overlapping deprivations that leave them especially vulnerable. Structural barriers, such as labor market discrimination and limited access to public services, further entrench their poverty. The study underscores the urgent need for policies tailored to the unique challenges faced by the Roma, including targeted benefits, improved access to education, and measures to combat discrimination. Without such interventions, the community will continue to face disproportionately high levels of poverty and exclusion.

Overlapping Deprivations and Regional Disparities

A critical finding of the report is the prevalence of overlapping deprivations, where individuals are disadvantaged across multiple dimensions, including income, education, housing, and healthcare. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in rural areas and among marginalized ethnic communities. In these regions, poverty is not only persistent but also deeply structural, reflecting systemic inequalities that hinder access to opportunities and resources.

While some EU countries have made significant strides in reducing overall poverty, regional disparities remain stark. Rural and less-developed areas often lack the infrastructure and services necessary to support economic mobility and social inclusion. These disparities highlight the importance of region-specific interventions, such as investment in local infrastructure, improved service delivery, and targeted support for disadvantaged communities.

Policy Solutions for Poverty Reduction

The report emphasizes that tackling multidimensional poverty requires a comprehensive and context-sensitive approach. Investments in quality education, labor market inclusion, and social protection systems are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. Early childhood education and vocational training are particularly effective in equipping disadvantaged groups with the skills necessary to improve their economic prospects. Housing policies that ensure affordability and quality are also essential, as inadequate housing remains a significant driver of material deprivation.

Targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, including the Roma community, are a central recommendation. Improved ethnic data collection is necessary to better understand their challenges and design effective policies. Specific measures, such as inclusive education programs and anti-discrimination campaigns, can foster greater social inclusion and reduce the long-standing inequalities faced by this community. Moreover, the report calls for a focus on rural development, recognizing that poverty in these areas requires distinct strategies, such as enhanced infrastructure and access to services.

Toward an Inclusive and Equitable Future

While the EU has made considerable progress in raising living standards and reducing poverty, the persistence of multidimensional poverty highlights the need for continued action. Structural inequalities, particularly those affecting vulnerable groups and regions, require targeted and evidence-based interventions. The EU’s poverty reduction goals for 2030 hinge on the ability to address these disparities and foster more inclusive growth.

The report underscores the importance of integrating national and EU-level initiatives to create cohesive policies that address poverty’s root causes. Achieving this vision will require a combination of social, economic, and environmental policies prioritizing equality and sustainability. Ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location, is essential to fostering social cohesion and long-term stability.

By adopting a comprehensive strategy to tackle multidimensional poverty, the EU can make meaningful progress toward its goals. This approach must focus on inclusive growth, targeted support for disadvantaged groups, and structural reforms to reduce inequalities. The findings of the report reaffirm the urgency of addressing these challenges and provide a roadmap for building a more equitable and prosperous Europe, where no one is left behind.