Rising European poverty and inequality

Policy Brief

04/02/2016

Many Europeans have experienced decreases in living standards during the crisis, resulting in increases in inequality and poverty. These changes can be measured in many ways, such as changes in severe material deprivation and decile shares.

This policy brief measures this severe material deprivation rate as an indicator of poverty. Instead of looking at income, the severe material deprivation rate shows how individuals experience inadequate access to basic amenities. The rate is defined as the declared inability to pay for a certain number of necessary items such as rent and utility bills.

Read the Policy Viewpoint 

Find all related publications
Publications
04/11/2024

A new gender equality contract for Europe

Feminism and progressive politics
30/10/2024

Meeting the challenges from the populist right

A study of voter attitudes towards welfare and immigration in Denmark, Germany and Sweden
15/10/2024

The social and economic impact of Brexit across Northern Ireland

Regional and Sectoral Perspectives
15/10/2024

The Windsor Framework and its implications – for Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU

Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
31/10/2024

Lithuania turns left: hopes and fears for same-sex partnership

31/10/2024

The elections in Bulgaria for the Socialist Party: optimism, but conditional one

Find all related news
News
21/10/2024

Your Future is Social – A Pillar for our Rights 

Video series - Why social rights must top the new EU agenda and how to make it happen
27/09/2024

Notice of vacancy – Policy Analyst on Climate and Environment

This vacancy closed on 25 October 2024
23/09/2024

FEPS at the United Nations Summit of the Future

17/09/2024

New European Commission composition proposal – Reaction by FEPS Secretary General

Find all related in the media
In the media

The need to strengthen policies for a Social Europe

by Le Club de Mediapart 29/10/2024
Article by Le Club Mediapart about the presentation of FEPS Primer's Greek edition, 'Social Europe: From Vision to Vigour' with László Andor and Björn Hacker in an event coorganised with ETERON in Athens.

Brussels, my love? Europe’s economy in a struggle for survival

by Euronews 21/10/2024
FEPS director of studies and policy David Rinaldi participated in this episode of Euronews’ show ‘Brussels my love’.

Un modello digitale europeo basato sui valori

by EU News 16/10/2024
‘A European digital model rooted in values’ – EU News article on the presentation of FEPS Primer 'A Digital Union based on European Values', by Ivana Bartoletti.

Italy’s scheme to offshore asylum claims should not be a model for the rest of Europe

by The Guardian 16/10/2024
Article from The Guardian which references the policy study "Responsibility-sharing or shifting? Implications of the New Pact for future EU cooperation with third countries" by FEPS, FES and EPC.