Eurostat: Polish youth least endangered in EU by poverty
According to Eurostat, in 2024 the rate of severe material and social deprivation (SMSD) among young people aged 15–29 in the EU was 5.8%, slightly below the general population rate of 6.4%. Poland is among the countries with the lowest youth poverty risk, with only 1.4% of young people affected—well below the national average of 2.3%.
The highest youth poverty was recorded in Bulgaria (17.2%), Romania (14.7%), and Greece (14.4%). Croatia had the lowest rate (0.7%). The SMSD indicator reflects deprivation of at least 7 out of 13 basic needs, such as regular meals or social participation. Both EU and Polish youth SMSD rates have improved compared to 2023.
