EU Youth Deprivation: A Persistent Concern
The European Union's youth population faces a persistent challenge when it comes to severe material and social deprivation, according to recent data. Despite some improvements, the overall picture remains concerning, with a 5.8% rate of severe material and social deprivation among young people aged 15-29 years in 2025, unchanged from the previous year. This rate is notably lower than the 6.3% recorded for the total population, indicating that while the overall situation is improving, young people are still disproportionately affected.
The disparity is most evident in Eastern European countries. Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria top the list with severe deprivation rates of 15.1%, 14.7%, and 14.0%, respectively. These figures highlight the ongoing social and economic challenges faced by young people in these regions, often linked to factors such as limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social support systems.
On the other hand, 10 EU countries have managed to keep the severe deprivation rate below 3.0%. These include Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Czechia, Estonia, Cyprus, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Portugal. These nations have implemented successful policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty and social exclusion among their youth, showcasing the potential for positive change.
The data also reveals a higher risk of poverty or social exclusion among young people. In 2025, the at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) rate for young people aged 15-29 years was 24.2%, a concerning 3.3 percentage points higher than the rate for the total population (20.9%). This indicates that young people are more vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, often due to factors such as limited work experience, lower educational attainment, and higher living costs.
Breaking down the AROPE components, young people face a 3.3 percentage point higher at-risk-of-poverty rate compared to the general population (19.6% vs. 16.3%). However, the share of those living in households with very low work intensity is only 0.3 percentage points higher among young people (8.2% vs. 7.9%). This suggests that while some young people struggle with poverty, others may be affected by low work intensity, indicating a complex interplay of factors.
In conclusion, the persistent high rate of severe material and social deprivation among EU youth, coupled with a higher risk of poverty or social exclusion, highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique challenges faced by young people, including education, employment, and social support. By doing so, the EU can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for its youngest citizens.
