The European Commission has presented its first EU anti poverty strategy. It sets a long-term goal to reduce and end poverty across the European Union by 2050. The plan asks member states to expand social housing, improve welfare support, and reduce evictions.
It also includes measures on homelessness and child poverty. It proposes easier access to social benefits with less paperwork. The Commission says about 92.7 million people in the EU are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Around one million people are homeless in the bloc.
It highlights that the EU previously aimed to lift 15 million people out of poverty by 2030, but officials now say this goal will be difficult to reach. Poverty risk remains high across many groups in society.
Data from Eurostat shows differences between citizens and non-EU nationals living in the bloc. In 2024, about 43.8 percent of non-EU citizens were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This compares with 18.5 percent of citizens living in their home country.
Child poverty remains a concern. Nearly one in four children in the EU is still at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The strategy calls for better access to childcare, education, mental health services, and school meals.
Employment gaps also remain for people with disabilities. About 55 percent are employed compared with 77 percent of people without disabilities. Almost one in three faces poverty or social exclusion. The plan supports improved access to transport, digital tools, and public services.
The strategy does not include new dedicated funding. It relies on existing EU funds such as the European Social Fund and cohesion programs. Officials say around 100 billion euros could be linked to poverty reduction in the next budget cycle, if approved by member states.
The Commission also continues wider migration and asylum policies. In 2024, EU countries issued 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU nationals. That same year, 913,000 people applied for asylum across the bloc.
Officials say long-term success of the strategy will depend on economic growth, housing availability, and job access. The EU aims to reduce social exclusion while improving living standards across member states.
The EU has struggled to meet earlier poverty reduction goals. Officials previously aimed to lift at least 15 million people out of poverty by 2030. However, current data shows slow progress. The Commission now says the target may not be reached on time.
Many measures will use existing EU funds. This includes the European Social Fund, cohesion policy money, and investment programs. Critics and analysts say no new dedicated budget may limit the impact of the strategy.
Migration trends remain part of the wider social and economic picture in the EU. New arrivals often enter labor markets with low income levels. This affects overall poverty statistics and social planning across member states.
EU leaders say the strategy is a long-term commitment. Success will depend on coordination between governments. Housing supply, job creation, and social services will remain key focus areas over the next decades.
Child-focused measures remain central to the strategy. The EU Child Guarantee aims to ensure access to basic services for children in need. These include healthcare, education, childcare, and nutrition support in schools.
Recent Eurostat data shows that 20.9 percent of the EU population remains at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The strategy aims to lower this figure through combined efforts in welfare, employment, housing, and education policies.
Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges in many EU cities. Rising rents and limited supply have increased pressure on low income households. The strategy encourages faster construction and better rental protection rules.
Officials say poverty reduction will require long-term investment and cooperation. The plan sets a vision for 2050, but progress will depend on economic stability and policy implementation across all member states.
Member states will now discuss how to implement the strategy in national policies and budgets over the coming years.
