The Caritas Europa report is alarming: millions of people across Europe are struggling to meet their basic needs without finding adequate support in the various “minimum income” measures, which vary from country to country but are often insufficient.
The value of this report lies in the stories and evidence shared by Caritas teams across Europe. Caritas organisations offer national insights based on their daily work with people in vulnerable situations, from Georgia to Ireland, Norway to Greece.
In fact, over 70% of the Caritas organisations involved are actively working to fill the gaps in current income support frameworks through service adaptation, research and advocacy work.
The report highlights the profound gaps in national minimum income systems and urges policymakers to rethink the importance of income support in social inclusion pathways.
‘Thriving, not just surviving. Shaping effective minimum income systems in Europe’ is the title. The survey results speak for themselves: almost 90% of Caritas organisations surveyed say that benefits in their countries fail to cover basic needs. Only five countries provide support that reaches at least 75% of the national poverty threshold.
This report comes at a crucial moment, as the European Commission is working on its first European strategy against poverty.
Caritas Europa’s recommendations offer a contribution to ensuring that minimum income schemes truly reflect the values of the Union, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against poverty.
Among the key recommendations addressed to national and EU leaders are:
- Ensure adequacy. Minimum income must reach at least 75% of the national poverty threshold for all types of households.
- Ensure inclusive access. Eligibility criteria must be simplified and broadened to avoid excluding young people, immigrants and people living in insecure housing.
- Increase participation. Combat stigma and simplify administrative procedures through targeted awareness-raising, digital support alternatives and user-friendly application systems.
- Coordinated EU action. The EU should promote binding minimum income standards, linked to its broader strategy on social rights and poverty reduction.
Source: www.caritas.it
Caritas Europa presented its 2025 Report in Brussels, at the Press Club, on 3 June 2025.
For the report in English, click here
