13 Nov, 2023

Report on the EU response to the Energy and Cost of Living Crisis

The annual report by the Social Protection Committee examines social conditions and social protection policies across the EU. This year’s report – issued on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – focuses on the energy and cost of living crisis. 

Based on a set of key indicators and thematic work, the report indicates that despite economic growth slowing down over 2022 in the EU – after the launch of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – employment continued to expand and the level of poverty and social exclusion remained broadly stable at EU level, at 21.6% of the population in 2022 (compared to 21.7% in 2021).

However, prices rose markedly from February 2022, initially driven by energy price rises, but pressures broadened as higher energy costs passed through to food, services and other goods. This had an impact on households’ purchasing power, especially for lower income families who spend a higher fraction of their income on energy and food. This was also reflected in a slight rise in material and social deprivation in Europe.

A separate annex to the report includes country profiles for each Member State that provide a snapshot of progress towards the national 2030 poverty and social exclusion target, trends in the main social indicators, and the key social challenges and good social outcomes identified for each country. 

You can find the full report here. 

The Social Protection Committee (SPC) is an advisory policy committee to the Ministers in the Employment and Social Affairs Council (EPSCO).

The Annual Report delivers on the Committee’s core task to monitor the social situation in the EU and the developments in social protection policies in the Member States.

Publication of this year’s report coincides with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and it focuses in particular on taking stock of the existing and exceptional measures of the Member States in facing the energy and cost of living crisis.

Related Posts

News
Championing child safety: COFACE member ‘Step by Step’ trains Child Assault Prevention helpers

Championing child safety: COFACE member ‘Step by Step’ trains Child Assault Prevention helpers

The Child Assault Prevention (CAP) program equips children with effective prevention strategies to reduce their vulnerability and exposure to various forms of violence. As a Regional Training Center in Croatia, our COFACE member, the 'Step by Step' Parents' Association, trains future CAP helpers in delivering the program.

Read More

News
Coworkers with varied disabilities working at a coffeeshop.
APF France Handicap’s advocacy for the employment of people with disabilities in France

APF France Handicap’s advocacy for the employment of people with disabilities in France

At a time when unemployment among individuals with disabilities seems to be somewhat better acknowledged by French public authorities due to increased focus on employment access, neglecting to secure career paths amounts to merely shifting the problem. Faced with these observations, COFACE member, APF Handicap, provides a thorough analysis in a recently published research which highlights measures and solutions to prevent the risk of professional disintegration.

Read More

News
European Parliament report advocates social inclusion amidst crisis for children and families

European Parliament report advocates social inclusion amidst crisis for children and families

On the morrow of the UN International day for the Rights of Children, the European Parliament adopted an important text for children and their families. The Own Initiative report on Reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families received 386 votes in favours for 87 against and 141 abstention.

Read More