The Food Challenge: Nearly 9% of the EU Population Cannot Afford Adequate Nutrition

In 2024, 8.5% of the population in the European Union (EU) found themselves in a state of food insecurity, unable to afford a meal containing meat, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent every two days. This figure represents a decrease of 1.0 percentage points compared to the previous year, when the percentage reached 9.5%.

The situation is particularly fragile for those at risk of poverty, as 19.4% of this group cannot access adequate food, in contrast to 6.4% of those who are not in a vulnerable situation. Nationally, disparities are significant. Slovakia tops the list with a concerning 39.8% of its population at risk of poverty facing difficulties accessing sufficient food. Bulgaria and Hungary follow with 37.7% and 37.3%, respectively. At the other end, Cyprus has the lowest rate, with only 3.5% of its population affected, followed by Ireland and Portugal, both at 5.1%.

Access to food with meat, fish, or vegetarian alternatives every two days is considered a key indicator in measuring severe material and social deprivation. This aspect is crucial for assessing the risk of poverty and social exclusion, issues that are closely monitored within the framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan.

The data underscore the urgent need to address food insecurity in the EU and open a debate on social policies aimed at reducing economic disparities. The fight against poverty and social exclusion is established as a fundamental goal to ensure the well-being of all European citizens.