Commissioner vows to end poverty in 25 years as EU unveils first major strategy
Commissioner Vows to End Poverty in 25 Years as EU Launches Landmark Strategy
Commissioner vows to end poverty in 25 – On Wednesday, European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu shared her vision for a future where poverty no longer defines the lives of millions in the European Union. Speaking during an interview with Euronews, she emphasized the EU’s commitment to eliminating extreme poverty and social exclusion by 2050. This ambitious goal is underpinned by the Commission’s newly unveiled first major anti-poverty strategy, which outlines a series of non-binding recommendations and best practice guidelines aimed at guiding member states toward collective progress.
A Bold Target Amid Rising Challenges
Mînzatu acknowledged the formidable task ahead, highlighting that the EU remains far from achieving its 2030 target of lifting 15 million people out of poverty. “So far, we’ve only managed to assist approximately 3.7 million Europeans,” she said, underscoring the scale of the challenge. The strategy’s timeline of 25 years for eradication is designed to address both immediate and long-term systemic issues, with a particular focus on economic stability and social cohesion. However, the current reality is stark: nearly 92.7 million individuals across the 27 EU countries are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, representing almost one in five Europeans. This figure has been exacerbated by the ongoing energy crisis, which, driven by the Middle East conflict, is placing additional strain on households.
“This 93 million number [of people at risk of poverty] could become higher in a few months or in a very short time,” Mînzatu said. “The cost of living is a growing threat, and we must act swiftly to mitigate its impact.”
The energy crisis has not only driven up fuel and utility prices but also disrupted supply chains and increased the overall cost of goods and services. As a result, families are grappling with rising bills, making it more difficult to meet basic needs. Mînzatu pointed out that these economic pressures could accelerate the spread of poverty, particularly among vulnerable groups. “We cannot ignore the ripple effects of this crisis,” she added. “It’s a reminder that our strategy must be adaptive and responsive to changing conditions.”
Key Priorities and Innovative Approaches
The strategy emphasizes a multifaceted approach, targeting several critical areas to address poverty holistically. One of its primary focuses is supporting children in disadvantaged families, with the introduction of the “child guarantee card” as a pilot initiative. This digital tool is intended to help governments identify children in need and provide them with essential services such as healthcare and education. Mînzatu explained, “If a child in a precarious situation requires medical attention or dental care, we should have the mechanisms in place to ensure they receive it without delay.”
Expanding access to affordable and social housing is another cornerstone of the plan. Mînzatu highlighted the need for member states to implement policies that prevent housing exclusion, such as early warning systems for financial distress and debt counseling programs. “We recommend that governments adopt proactive measures to avoid situations where people face eviction,” she said. “Long-term rentals should be more attractive to landlords, which would encourage sustainable housing solutions.”
Additionally, the strategy seeks to strengthen existing EU programs that support households, particularly those with unemployed individuals and older citizens. Measures to improve pension systems and provide more robust employment assistance are being prioritized, with the aim of ensuring long-term financial security for vulnerable populations. Mînzatu noted that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to create a more resilient social safety net.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the strategy’s comprehensive scope, critics argue that it lacks concrete legislative proposals, which could hinder its effectiveness. NGOs such as Caritas Europa have expressed concerns that the absence of binding commitments may leave the most ambitious goals unmet. “The strategy is a welcome step, but without specific laws, we risk seeing its objectives remain aspirational rather than actionable,” said a representative from the network.
One of the key areas of contention is the strategy’s failure to include measures for “mobile” citizens—individuals who are excluded from social protection in both their home countries and their places of residence. This omission has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who believe that such a policy would address the complexities of migration and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against poverty. “We need a strategy that recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who move across borders,” the representative added.
While the Commission has pointed to existing funding mechanisms, such as the €50.2 billion allocated through the European Social Fund Plus, as a foundation for its efforts, it has not earmarked a separate budget for this strategy. Instead, it is relying on the continued allocation of resources from current programs. “We are confident that the EU’s existing financial tools are sufficient to drive progress,” Mînzatu stated. “However, the strategy’s success will depend on member states’ willingness to implement the recommendations effectively.”
Disability Inclusion as a Parallel Initiative
On the same day, the Commission also announced a review of its strategy to enhance the inclusion of people with disabilities, a group that accounts for approximately 90 million individuals across the EU. The plan includes the full rollout and digitalization of initiatives like the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, which are designed to ensure equal rights and accessibility for people with disabilities across all 27 member states. These efforts reflect the Commission’s broader commitment to addressing social inequalities and fostering an inclusive society.
The anti-poverty strategy and the disability inclusion review are interconnected in their goals, both aiming to create a more equitable European Union. Mînzatu emphasized that these initiatives are part of a long-term vision to build a future where no one is left in hardship. “Our approach must be holistic,” she said. “We cannot address poverty without considering the unique needs of all citizens, including those with disabilities.”
As the strategy moves forward, its implementation will be closely watched by policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public. While the lack of a dedicated budget may pose challenges, the Commission remains optimistic about its potential to drive meaningful change. Mînzatu concluded, “This is not just a strategy—it’s a commitment to a more just and prosperous Europe for generations to come.”
