The worrying evolution of poverty in the European Union and austerity measures

13.11.2014

Question for written answer E-009181-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Hugues Bayet (S&D)

Eurostat’s most recent study regarding the evolution of poverty in the Union in 2013 is still extremely worrying.

Over 126 million Europeans are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This represents 24.5% of the inhabitants!

These figures have fallen a little bit in relation to 2012, admittedly, but they are still alarming and are still higher than those of 2008, before the start of the economic crisis.

These figures make it abundantly clear that the austerity policies pursued in many Member States primarily affect the weakest.

Upon examination of these figures, does the Commission not feel that it has to consider a change of course and adopt stimulus policies that are focused, above all, on the social well‐being of its citizens?