About: poverty

An EU budget to protect people in poverty or our defence and security industries?

We need an EU budget that protects people instead of investing in borders and defence industries, argue Leo Williams and Vito Telesca.

Afghan poverty rises sharply since NATO combat troops’ departure

Poverty has risen sharply in Afghanistan since the departure of NATO's combat troops in 2014, with more than half of the population now living below the poverty line, according to a national survey.

Bozhidar Danev: Part of Bulgaria’s fuel sector lies in the grey economy

Unusually low fuel prices in Bulgaria are probably the result of cartels, or contraband, Bozhidar Danev told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview, saying the authorities have  so far been unable or unwilling to address the issue.

Agriculture offers little chance of escaping poverty in Africa

LONDON: The rate of rural households in developing African nations “descending into poverty exceeds the rate of those sustainably escaping it”, according to a recent report of the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

Children must be at the heart of debate on Europe’s future

Most people debating the future of Europe think in economic terms. But today we must think about how children in Europe are experiencing their childhood, as that will be the biggest determining factor of our future, writes Jana Hainsworth.

Private sector and development: The EU is not doing enough!

To ensure business enterprises play their role in generating more and better jobs and contribute to the transition towards a green and sustainable economic model in the Global South, the EU needs to adopt in-depth reforms, argues Isabelle Brachet.

UNFPA: Inequality and lack of reproductive rights threaten development

Gender inequality, denial of reproductive rights and shortcomings in sexual education are becoming a possible threat to reach the UN development goals on ending poverty by 2030, a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) finds.

Aid campaigners put pressure on MEPs ahead of budget vote

Ahead of the European Parliament's vote on the EU's draft 2018 general budget next Wednesday (26 October), campaigners have put pressure on MEPs not to reduce the EU’s development aid.

Member states fail to back Emergency Trust Fund for Africa

The Emergency Trust Fund for Africa has stalled. The situation is frustrating the European Parliament and Commission, which have demanded that EU member states respect their commitments. EURACTIV France reports.

Fighting poverty across Europe: What’s next for FEAD?

More than 120 million people in the EU are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth aimed to bring at least 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020.

EU urged to allow vouchers as aid to the most deprived

A group of EU member states has urged the European Commission to allow the use of vouchers in distributing aid to the most deprived, arguing they help save costs and uphold the dignity of the people concerned.

Money from Europe a lifeline for Nigerian families

Grace and Sunday Otoide's house is the last one standing on Bata Road in Benin City, southern Nigeria. All the neighbours have left and the retired couple hope to do the same.

Commission should launch infringement procedure against UK for abuse of EU free movement rights

Mattia Bosio and Mauro Striano argue that the European Commission should sanction the UK for criminalising homelessness as a way to avoid its obligations regarding free movement in the EU.

Greece cracks down on voucher misuse by employers

The growing trend of distributing vouchers to employees to avoid taxes has raised eyebrows in the Greek government, which has moved to crack down on unprecedented levels of tax evasion in the cash-strapped country.

EU’s ‘New Consensus on Development’ puts migration control centre-stage

The EU's New Consensus on Development is meant to plot a roadmap to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Instead, the draft proposal appears to prioritise migration control and military operations, writes Johannes Trimmel.

Cities ask EU to put people first

Cities are ready to step up and play their part in tackling social challenges and ending poverty but they need the resources to do so, writes Laia Ortiz.

40% of Spanish children live in poverty

Spain has the EU’s third highest rate of child poverty, after Romania and Greece. EURACTIV Spain reports.

Serbs continue to protest election outcome

Ten days of protests against Serbia's election results continued on 13 April, with Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić minimising their importance, and the opposition saying that the political system needs changing. EURACTIV Serbia reports.

One year after the Brussels attacks: How can Europe prevent the next tragedy?

Today's anniversary of the terror attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016 provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the challenge posed by jihadist radicalisation and the need for effective prevention policies across Europe, write Alexander Ritzmann and Andrea Frontini.

Homelessness and housing exclusion have reached crisis levels in EU

With rising homelessness and housing deprivation across the European Union, now, more than ever, is the time for the Juncker Commission to bridge the disconnect with its most vulnerable citizens, writes Chloé Serme-Morin.

Davos warns ‘squeezed’ middle class needs attention

Threatened by unemployment and stagnant wages, the middle class is increasingly feeling the pinch and falling prey to populism, as shown in recent elections and the Brexit vote, international and business leaders in Davos warned.

EU must tackle homelessness to achieve SDGs

In order to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, Europe has to leave homelessness – not homeless people – behind, writes Ruth Owen.

Oxfam: Growth of inequality accelerated in 2016

Global wealth become even more concentrated in the hands of the rich in 2016, according to Oxfam. Eight people now control as much wealth as the poorest half of the world's population. EURACTIV France reports.