A survey conducted by Caritas Europa and Eurodiaconia across 18 European countries found that there has been a 40% increase in demand for support by vulnerable groups. Organisations are responding to this increase in demand for services by opening up warm spaces for people experiencing hardship and continuing to deliver more and adequate food support, clothing, homelessness services, financial support for housing and energy expenses and debt counselling.

The survey conducted by these two networks of organizations reveals that the current cost-of-living crisis is severely impacting the ability of people with low incomes—especially single parents, pensioners and young people—to cover basic needs like heating their homes, buying food or paying rent. The situation of people experiencing poverty is particularly difficult in: Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Serbia, Sweden and Turkey. The two networks call on the EU and European governments to take further action to support vulnerable households as well as to invest in not-for-profit social services providers. Immediate and targeted support is needed to prevent more people from falling into poverty and to guarantee dignity and wellbeing for all.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen designated 2022 as the European Year of Youth–“a year dedicated to empowering those who have dedicated so much to others”. This was meant …