EU Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu addressed the European Parliament to underscore the urgent need for intensified action against poverty in Europe, just days after the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Highlighting that over 93 million Europeans remain at risk of poverty or social exclusion, Mînzatu emphasized that the issue affects not only economic metrics but the social fabric—especially children and workers vulnerable to destitution.
A Call for Ambitious Targets and Measured Policy
Mînzatu announced the Commission's plan to launch the first comprehensive EU Anti-Poverty Strategy aimed at reducing poverty by 15 million people by 2030, including at least 5 million children, with the longer-term ambition to eradicate poverty by 2050. This strategic proposal includes concrete numerical targets, signaling a step beyond previous assurances to more measurable objectives. It positions poverty eradication as both a social imperative and an economic growth enabler, linking poverty reduction to increased labor participation and stronger household incomes.
Focus on Multidimensional Poverty and Access to Services
The strategy is set to adopt a multidimensional approach, addressing access to essential services such as education, housing, healthcare, energy, and childcare, reflecting an integrationist policy orientation that reinforces EU-level coordination on social inclusion. A stronger European Child Guarantee will be central, aiming to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of poverty.
Stakeholder Engagement and Political Dynamics
Mînzatu stressed inclusive policy development, involving local and national authorities, social partners, NGOs, and people with lived experience of poverty. The forthcoming own-initiative report by the European Parliament will further shape the strategy's details.
Potential Impact and Trade-Offs
The proposal to enhance EU-level focus signals a shift toward increased supranational coordination in social policy, potentially raising the powers of EU institutions in poverty-related matters versus national sovereignty. For NGOs and civil society, the increased emphasis on inclusion and service access presents an opportunity for expanded roles and funding. Conversely, national authorities may face greater oversight and the need to align domestic policies with EU targets, which could strain resources or require institutional adaptation. Workers and children at risk of poverty stand to benefit from expanded protections and services, although the costs and administrative implications of implementing the strategy will require careful management.
This speech from Mînzatu represents a concrete step towards refocusing EU social policy with defined targets and inclusive governance mechanisms. It foreshadows a potential recalibration of the balance between EU action and member states’ autonomy in social protection.
← Atlas › News › Employment & Social policy