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Poverty on the rise in Europe: Eurostat data worries the Old Continent

Data from Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, paints an alarming picture of the social situation in the Old Continent where, according to 2022 figures, 8.3% of the EU population cannot afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every other day.

Also worrying is the fact that this figure represents an increase of one percentage point compared to 2021, thus photographing a trend that seems to be inexorably on the rise.

Inflation, due to the interest rate increases imposed by the European Central Bank, is the main reason for these difficulties, but it is not the only one.

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Increasingly poor in Europe: Eurostat data
The number of poor people in Europe, i.e. those people who are unable to afford a full meal every two days, is increasing. Data from Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, paints an alarming picture of the social situation in the Old Continent where, according to 2022 figures, 8.3% of the EU population cannot afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every two days. Particularly bad is Italy, where 15 out of 100 people cannot afford quality food on a continuous basis.
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At risk of poverty
If, on the other hand, those people who are considered at risk of poverty by European standards are taken together, the total figure rises to 19.7 per cent, 2.2 percentage points higher than in 2021 (17.5 per cent).
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Most affected countries
Bulgaria (44.6%) is the country where the population is most at risk of poverty and cannot afford to buy food such as meat and fish at least every other day. This is closely followed by Romania (43%) and Slovakia (40.5%). On the other hand, those countries with the fewest people in need are Ireland (5%), Luxembourg (5.1%) and Cyprus (5.6%).
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Italy and Spain are also not doing well
Italy is in 13th place in this nefarious ranking, touching 15% of the population who are poor or at risk of poverty. The Belpaese ranks right in the middle between Malta and Spain, two other countries that are certainly not having a good time in economic terms.
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Eurostat's indicators
The indicators examined by Eurostat show the lack of elements necessary to live a dignified life. From the point of view of the household, the ability to cope with unforeseen expenses, to afford a week's holiday a year away from home, or to meet payment arrears (on mortgage or rent instalments, utility bills, hire purchase instalments or other loan payments) is examined.
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Family level but also private
On a personal level, having or not having an Internet connection, being able to replace worn-out clothes, having two pairs of shoes in the right size (including a pair of all-weather shoes) is a factor. In addition, having a car for personal use is also a factor taken into account.
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Recreational activities
The last type of indicator taken into consideration is the fact of being able to afford, on a personal level, to spend a certain amount of money each week on personal leisure, to be able to have regular recreational activities and finally to be able to get together with friends or family for a drink.
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