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%).
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.
Source: Eurostat, 8.6% of people in the EU unable to afford proper meal
