Alleviating poverty: Europe's new aid programme for the down and out

The EU's food programme could soon be expanded to include the provision of clothes and shelter to poor people in the EU, under a proposal being dealt with by Parliament. On 7 May the EP's social affairs committee will discuss a report written by Emer Costello, an Irish member of the S&D group. It is estimated the fund would be able to help two million people each year.

A new fund to help the poor

The European Commission proposes to launch a new fund that would replace the EU's current food programme. The goal would be to provide Europe's poorest with food and clothes, tackle child poverty and help the homeless. The proposed budget for the fund is €2.5 billion for 2014-2020. 

Potential to play an important role

Ms Costello called the proposed resources for the fund extremely limited and far from sufficient in her report. However, she still recommends approval as it would contribute towards alleviating some of the worst forms of poverty and social exclusion in Europe. It would especially benefit homeless people and poor households with children.

Next steps

The social affairs committee will vote on the report by Ms Costello at a subsequent meeting. After this it will be dealt with by all MEPs during a plenary session.