The European Commission is expected to present, on 6 May, a strategy to combat poverty. This initiative forms part of the broader framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights and aims to strengthen the EU’s commitment to reducing inequalities, promoting social inclusion and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable citizens.

This strategy emerges in a context marked by rising living costs, persistent structural inequalities and the socio-economic impact of recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

According to recent data from the Commission, millions of people across the EU remain at risk of poverty or social exclusion, reinforcing the need for a coordinated and effective approach at European level.

The main pillars expected to underpin the strategy include:

• strengthening social protection systems, including access to adequate and sustainable benefits;

• promoting decent and inclusive employment, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups;

• tackling child poverty, in line with the European Child Guarantee; and

• ensuring access to essential services, such as housing, healthcare and education.

The strategy is also expected to encourage Member States to adopt national measures aligned with European objectives, including the setting of concrete targets for poverty reduction by 2030. In this context, it will be important to monitor its articulation with available European funds, namely the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and other cohesion policy financing instruments.

For Portugal, where the at-risk-of-poverty rate remains above the European average for certain population groups, this initiative may translate into new policy guidelines and funding opportunities, with a direct impact on public policies and on economic and social stakeholders.

Our team remains at your disposal for further information.