Across Europe, minimum income schemes are failing the millions of people struggling to meet basic needs. In a report launched on June 3 in Brussels, Caritas Europa highlights the flaws in current national income schemes and urges policymakers to rethink how income support can ensure social inclusion. The report—“Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Shaping Effective Minimum Income Systems in Europe”—draws insights from 20 Caritas organizations, including Caritas Cyprus. Its findings are stark—90% of Caritas organizations surveyed relay that benefits in their countries fall short of what is needed to cover basic needs. Only 5 countries provide support that reaches 75% of the national poverty threshold. The “Thriving, Not Just Surviving” report provides concrete recommendations for strengthening current systems and aims to inform discussions around the European Commission’s first-ever EU anti-poverty strategy.
To learn more, hear testimonials and view the press release, visit Caritas Europa.
