Poland has one of the lowest poverty rates in the EU
According to Eurostat, severe material and social deprivation (SMSD) in the EU declined from 6.8% in 2023 to 6.4% in 2024, showing a slight improvement in living conditions. Within the eurozone, the rate was 6.1%. Romania (17.2%), Bulgaria (16.6%), and Greece (14.0%) had the highest poverty risks, while Slovenia (1.8%), Croatia (2.0%), and Poland and Luxembourg (2.3%) had the lowest. Young people under 18 are the most affected (7.9%), followed by working-age adults (6.4%) and seniors (5.1%). Women (6.6%) are slightly more affected than men (6.2%).
SMSD measures inability to afford at least 7 of 13 essential items or activities, such as housing costs, regular meals, or social participation.
