Almost 9% in the EU could not afford a proper meal

In 2024, 8.5% of the EU population were unable to afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every second day, 1.0 percentage point (pp) lower than in 2023 (9.5%). 

The percentage was significantly higher for people at risk of poverty, at 19.4%, than for people not at risk of poverty (6.4%).

At the national level, the highest share of people at risk of poverty unable to afford a proper meal was recorded in Slovakia (39.8%), followed by Bulgaria (37.7%) and Hungary (37.3%). On the other hand, the lowest shares were recorded in Cyprus (3.5%), Ireland and Portugal (both 5.1%). 

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Source dataset: ilc_mdes03

The capacity to afford a meal with meat, fish or vegetarian equivalent every second day is among the items observed at the household level to calculate the severe material and social deprivation rate. This is one of the components of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion indicator. The indicator is used to monitor the headline target on poverty and social inclusion of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan.

For more information

• Statistics Explained article on living conditions in Europe - poverty and social exclusion
• Thematic section on income and living conditions
• Database on income and living conditions
• Thematic section on the European pillar of social rights
• Database on the European pillar of social rights
• Social scoreboard of key indicators of the European pillar of social rights
• Key figures on European living conditions – 2024 edition

Methodological notes

The at-risk-of-poverty rate is the share of people with an equivalized disposable income (after social transfers) below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold, which is set at 60% of the national median equivalized disposable income after social transfers.

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