In 2020, 8.6% of the EU population and more than one in five people at risk of poverty (21.7%) were unable to afford a meal with meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every second day. Furthermore, 3.3% of the EU population and one in ten people at risk of poverty (9.7%) were unable to afford an internet connection. These are two of thirteen items used to determine the severe material and social deprivation rate.
The highest share of people at risk of poverty unable to afford a meal with meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent was recorded in Bulgaria (54.6%), followed by Greece (45.6%) and Slovakia (36.0%). On the other hand, the lowest share was recorded in Cyprus (3.8%), followed by Ireland (3.9%), Luxembourg and the Netherlands (both 6.6%).
Source dataset: ilc_mddu07a
The highest share of people at risk of poverty unable to afford an internet connection was recorded in Romania (40.9%), followed by Bulgaria (26.6%). On the other hand, the lowest share was recorded in Sweden (1.1%), followed by the Netherlands and Luxembourg (both 1.3%).
For both indicators, the shares were lower in each country for the total population compared to people at risk of poverty.
For more information:
- Eurostat Statistics Explained article on Living conditions in Europe - material deprivation and economic strain
- Eurostat publication on living conditions in Europe
- Eurostat overview on income and living conditions
- Eurostat database on income and living conditions
Methodological notes:
- Italy: 2019 data. As a result, the EU aggregates are estimated.
- Latvia: provisional data. Iceland: 2018 data.
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