EU Youth Deprivation: A Persistent Concern
The European Union (EU) has a persistent issue with youth deprivation, which remains a critical concern despite efforts to address it. In 2025, the severe material and social deprivation rate among young people (aged 15-29) stood at 5.8%, unchanged from the previous year. This rate is notably higher than the overall population rate of 6.3%, indicating a disparity in deprivation levels between young people and the general population.
What makes this data particularly striking is the regional variation. The highest rates of severe material and social deprivation among young people were recorded in Romania (15.1%), Greece (14.7%), and Bulgaria (14.0%). These countries face significant challenges in addressing the needs of their youth, with deprivation rates nearly double the EU average. Conversely, 10 EU countries, including Croatia, Slovenia, and Portugal, managed to keep deprivation rates below 3.0%, showcasing effective strategies in poverty reduction and social support.
The data also highlights the overall at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) rate for young people, which was 24.2% in 2025, 3.3 percentage points higher than the general population rate of 20.9%. This disparity underscores the unique challenges young people face in the labor market and social integration. While the at-risk-of-poverty rate among young people was 3.3 percentage points higher than the general population, the share of those living in households with very low work intensity was only 0.3 percentage points higher, suggesting that the issue is more complex and multifaceted.
This persistent deprivation among EU youth raises several important questions. Firstly, why are certain countries struggling to reduce deprivation rates, while others have achieved success? Secondly, what specific factors contribute to the higher risk of poverty or social exclusion among young people? The answers to these questions may lie in the unique social, economic, and cultural contexts of each country, as well as the effectiveness of their respective policies and interventions.
In my opinion, the EU should prioritize targeted interventions to address the specific needs of young people in high-deprivation regions. This could involve investing in education and training programs, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, and providing social support to vulnerable youth. Additionally, the EU should encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration between countries to identify and implement successful strategies for reducing youth deprivation.
The persistence of youth deprivation in the EU highlights the need for continued efforts and innovative solutions. By addressing the unique challenges faced by young people, the EU can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
