In 2023, 6.8% of the EU population faced severe material and social deprivation, according to figures from Eurostat which were released today.

Among EU countries, rates of severe material and social deprivation vary widely. Romania recorded the highest rate in the EU, at 19.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.0%). Greece (13.5%)Hungary (10.4%) and Spain (9.0%).

On the contrary, Slovenia (2%), Cyprus (2.4%), Sweden, Luxembourg and Estonia (all at 2.5%) reported the lowest rates.

The proportion of severe material and social deprivation (SMSD) is defined as the proportion of the population that cannot afford a particular good, service or social activity and experiences a forced lack of at least 7 of the 13 types of deprivation (6 person-related and 7 with the household).

At the household level, possibilities are considered such as dealing with unexpected expenses, paying for a week’s annual holiday away from home, dealing with late payments (mortgage or rent, utility bills, loan installments), affording a meat meal, chicken, fish or vegetarian equivalent every other day, household heating, access to car/van for personal use and replacement of worn furniture.

At the individual level, the ability to connect to the internet, the ability to replace worn clothes and shoes, leisure activities, meeting friends/family for a drink/meal at least once a month are taken into account.