France is one of the few countries in Europe where poverty rates have increased over the past decade.
In Paris, the number of people experiencing “difficulties” or “major difficulties” in making ends meet has increased by almost 2% since 2014, according to the latest data from Eurostat, as published by the statistics agency.
Apart from France, only Northern Europe has seen an increase in poverty rates over the past decade: Denmark (+2.4%), Finland (2%), Sweden (2.8%), and outside the EU, Norway (+4.7%).
Which EU country has reduced poverty rates the most?
At the same time, many Eastern and Southern European countries have reduced their poverty rates by tens of percentage points, with Cyprus leading the EU (-38%), followed by Croatia (34.6%), Hungary (26.8%), Bulgaria (26.5%) and Romania (21.8%).
The EU-wide poverty rate currently stands at 17.4%, meaning nearly two in 10 people have serious problems in their lives.
The latest ratio reported by Eurostat shows a slight improvement compared to 19.1% in 2023 and an improvement of 10 points compared to 2015 (27.1%).
However, tax rates are still much higher in some countries.
Greece, for example, now has the highest proportion of people living in poverty among EU countries, at almost 67%. Neighboring Bulgaria follows with 37% and Slovakia with almost 29%.
Poverty rates among non-adults remain alarming
By age group, the youngest generation is having the most trouble.
The poverty rate for people under the age of 18 is reported to be the highest at 20.6%, while the poverty rate for people over 65 is the lowest at 14.9%.
Eurostat said: “The overall share decreased in all age groups from 2023 to 2024.”
“The largest decline was 1.8 percentage points (pp) in the 18-64 age group, with declines in both the youngest and oldest age groups of 1.6 points.”