Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – EU Anti-poverty Strategy (exploratory opinion requested by the European Commission)
Date: 2025-07-17
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: EU strategy, European social policy, aid to disadvantaged groups, job creation, poverty, reintegration into working life, social inequality, social integration, social security, subsistence level income








C_202505147EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2025/5147


28.10.2025






Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee
EU Anti-poverty Strategy
(exploratory opinion requested by the European Commission)
(C/2025/5147)


Rapporteur: 
Krzysztof BALON

Co-rapporteur: 
Sophia REISECKER






Advisors


Jukka AHTELA (for group I)
Kahina RABAHI (for the co-rapporteur, group II)
Ryszard SZARFENBERG (for the rapporteur, group III)




Referral


European Commission, 31.1.2025




Legal basis


Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union




Section responsible


Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship




Adopted in section


27.6.2025




Adopted at plenary session


17.7.2025




Plenary session No


598




Outcome of vote
(for/against/abstentions)


126/46/20




1.   Conclusions and recommendations









1.1.


Poverty-reduction policies lie at the core of the EU’s values and call for urgent and effective action. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) outlines proposals for a comprehensive EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (APS) aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, with a rights-based approach, recognising poverty as a violation of fundamental rights and systemic injustice. It calls for a multidimensional definition of poverty, encompassing social, psychological, political and gender dimensions alongside material deprivation. The APS should set ambitious, measurable tools and targets, such as reducing poverty by 50 % by 2030, and improve poverty measurement methodologies.












1.2.


The EESC believes that productivity-enhancing and employment-generating strategies are a key factor to tackle poverty. One cornerstone of the APS is ensuring adequate income and social protection to establish and implement standards across Member States along the lines of the Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income. The strategy should address barriers to accessing social benefits and ensure the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) corresponding principles.












1.3.


The APS should combat in-work poverty by promoting active labour market policies and quality jobs – with sustainable employment, fair wages and decent working conditions – as well as proper implementation of the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. It should support life-long learning for the digital and green transitions.












1.4.



Universal access to affordable, quality social and essential services is crucial for poverty prevention. The APS should promote public investment in services like healthcare, social work, housing and education. It should enforce the European Child Guarantee targets, address energy poverty and support the development of social economy.












1.5.


The strategy should be intersectional and gender responsive, addressing specific vulnerabilities and discrimination faced by marginalised groups. It should improve data collection on intersectional poverty and explore ways to prevent socio-economic status leading to discrimination.












1.6.


Effective implementation requires robust governance, funding and participation. The APS should ensure the involvement of people experiencing poverty in all stages of the strategy cycle. A dedicated EU Anti-Poverty Coordinator with adequate competences should be considered, and funding should align with the ambition to eradicate extreme poverty, while appropriately considering social inclusion in the Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027.












1.7.



Social partners and civil society organisations play a crucial role in fighting poverty. The APS should support social and civil dialogue and provide sustainable funding for civil society organisations to advocate for those experiencing poverty.




2.   Towards the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy: background of the exploratory opinion









2.1.


The EESC stresses the urgent need to step up initiatives to fight poverty. Statistics and experience of those affected by poverty and social exclusion show that progress on EU and national level has been insufficient, although some promising measures have been taken. The cost of living crisis worsened the situation across Europe and aggravated the housing and homelessness crises, also driven by rising energy poverty. Vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by poverty. In-work poverty needs special attention. The effect of the health and care system crises, including challenges due to increasing long-term care (LTC), must be recognised. To better understand the need for resolute action, the EESC provides significant data in an Annex to the opinion.












2.2.


The aim of the first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (APS) is ‘helping people to access, essential protections and services they need and addressing the root causes of poverty’ (1). According to the Political Guidelines for the European Commission (EC) 2024-2029, this Strategy will be closely aligned with the new Action Plan for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) (2). Further relevant ongoing EESC opinions in this context are those on the New Action Plan on the implementation of the EPSR (3) as well as on Recommendations of organised civil society to address the cost-of-living crisis (4).




3.   Proposals and initiatives on the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy

3.1.   Fundamental shift: commitment to eradicate extreme poverty and rights-based approach









3.1.1.


The APS should represent a fundamental political shift, moving beyond moderate poverty reduction. In line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, the goal must be to end poverty. This requires a change in narrative, framing poverty not as an inevitable economic side-effect but as an avoidable violation of fundamental rights, resulting from systemic injustice rooted in the unequal distribution of wealth and power. The APS must set out a clear path with medium-term, measurable goals to substantially reduce poverty in the EU. A multifaceted set of policies and measures, from EU to local levels, including well-functioning labour market policies, social services, adequate social protection, development of the social economy and fair taxation can lead to its eradication.












3.1.2.


The APS should be positioned as a core part of rule-of-law, democracy, and fundamental rights. Successful economic competitiveness and growth agendas can support efforts to alleviate poverty by creating quality jobs and resources for the benefit of all. The APS should adopt a comprehensive, multidimensional definition of poverty based on proper analysis of its root causes and the links between them.












3.1.3.


The EU-Anti Poverty Strategy should mainstream gender equality, including the collection of gender-disaggregated data, gender sensitive targets and indicators and targeted approaches for vulnerable groups, among them single mother households as well as elderly women. Member states should avoid gender discrimination in their tax policies and eliminate or significantly reduce VAT on women’s sanitary goods.












3.1.4.


The APS needs ambitious, measurable targets and identified pathways. It should continue to pursue the targets as set out in Porto 2021 (reducing the number of people in risk of poverty by 15 million people by 2030, including 5 million children). This would also contribute towards the aim to achieve the targets set out by SDG 1 (5). The EESC recommends improving poverty measurement methodologies (including AROPE (6), EU-SILC (7) and Reference Budgets) with contributions from relevant stakeholders, potentially through a dedicated working group.




3.2.   Adequate income and social protection for all









3.2.1.


The EESC believes that productivity-enhancing and employment-generating strategies are a key factor to tackle poverty. Its root causes should be combatted against by a multifaceted set of policies and measures such as labour markets, education and training, social security, social and health services and housing.












3.2.2.


One cornerstone of the APS should be ensuring adequate income and social protection. The EESC reiterates its support for the Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income (8) to provide minimum standards to Member States.












3.2.3.


National and local Anti-Poverty Strategies are crucial to ensure the design, reform and implementation of Minimum Income Schemes (MIS) and the structural strengthening of social protection systems. They should propose integrated EU and national measures to tackle the widespread inadequate eligibility criteria and find ways to reduce non-take-up of MIS and other social benefits, addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, administrative complexity, digitalisation challenges, stigma and discrimination.












3.2.4.


The EESC notes that Principles 15 and 17 of the EPSR should be fully implemented (9). The APS should therefore ensure full implementation of the Council Conclusion of pension adequacy (10).




3.3.   Quality jobs, fair wages and active labour market policies to combat in-work poverty









3.3.1.


The APS must recognise that employment is not an automatic guarantee against poverty. In-work poverty is a complex issue, requiring a holistic approach. Quality jobs – defined by secure forms of employment contracts, fair wages, job security, workers’ rights, work-life balance, strong collective bargaining and access to social protection – are essential.












3.3.2.


The EESC notes with interest the agreement on living wages reached by the meeting of experts on wages, endorsed by the ILO Governing Body, which recognises their contribution to reducing poverty and inequality (11).












3.3.3.


More investment in lifelong learning systems is required. Non-formal and informal learning should be strengthened (12). Robust structural reforms of active labour market policies are needed while adapting social security systems to provide adequate support, and better integrating economically inactive and unemployed people into labour markets, including the social economy. The EESC supports the Draghi report’s call for investment and employment in rural areas, small towns and villages to be strengthened.












3.3.4.


Proper implementation of the 2022 Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages is essential, aiming at upward convergence.












3.3.5.


Tackling persistent pay gaps, is critical and requires the full and timely implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive.




3.4.   Universal access to affordable, quality services for all









3.4.1.


Ensuring universal, non-discriminatory access to a broad range of affordable, quality services is fundamental to poverty prevention and reduction. This includes not only essential services like energy, water, sanitation, transport and digital communications, but also other services such as employment, housing, healthcare (including mental health, dental and optical care), social services including long-term care (LTC), and education (including early childhood education and care – ECEC). This can entail the need for additional EU and national measures.












3.4.2.


The APS should promote public investment in these services and where appropriate implement the principle of co-creation by citizens and their organisations (13) ensuring affordability, accessibility and quality, particularly for vulnerable groups, with due regard to the sustainability of public finances. Investments in services of general interest should be regarded as investments in the future.












3.4.3.


Specific actions should include enforcing the European Child Guarantee targets for ECEC, strengthening public LTC provision, aiming at affordable housing and energy (using tools like enforcing bans on energy disconnections), and increasing the ESF+ minimum allocation for food and material deprivation support.












3.4.4.


While respecting national competences, EU policy should promote a universal right to adequate housing and encourage Member States to expand social housing and provide financial support for those affected by the housing shortage. The EESC proposes a new ‘affordable housing target’ within the Action Plan to implement the EPSR, followed up with an EU homelessness strategy based on benchmarking of national best practices and mutual learning. The APS should support the mutual understanding of the complexity of homelessness, requiring a mix of support and strengthening of cooperation between social administrations between Member States.












3.4.5.


The European Platform on Combating Homelessness (EPOCH) should be evaluated and adapted if needed.












3.4.6.


The EESC reiterates its call for adequate funding to fully implement the Child Guarantee, including appropriate investments in high-quality, affordable and accessible childcare services including in institutions. Ensuring access to art, culture, sport and leisure activities, essential to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, should be encouraged through dedicated strands in future Creative Europe and Erasmus+ Funds and ESIF. The EESC’s opinions on the youth guarantee and the equal treatment of young people in the labour market have highlighted specific areas for attention which would impact on poverty rates amongst young people.












3.4.7.


It is paramount that the APS addresses the challenges faced by older people in terms of risk of poverty, social exclusion and loneliness. It is crucial that pension reforms while based on special features of national social security systems take into consideration, among other aspects, the need to maintain and where possible, to improve older people’s standard of living.












3.4.8.


The Commission and Member States should consider creating a framework to counter psycho-social risks. Mental health facilities must be accessible and affordable.












3.4.9.


Preventing energy poverty, ensuring equal access to energy and the security of energy supply at affordable prices should be a European priority. To this end, Member States should be encouraged to draw up national plans and policies to eradicate energy poverty, integrating and ensuring consistency across all EU and national policy and funding instruments (14).












3.4.10.


Critically, as services digitalise, accessible, affordable and physical alternatives, as well as easy-to-navigate assistance, must be maintained to prevent digital exclusion. The EESC calls for a memorandum on the use of AI and data-driven welfare policies to fully assess their implications and the potential risks of surveillance, control and discrimination against people experiencing poverty and other vulnerable groups. An impact assessment on the use of digital tools for the working conditions of social workers should also be conducted.




3.5.   Addressing intersectional poverty and specific vulnerabilities









3.5.1.


Poverty intersects with multiple forms of disadvantage.












3.5.2.


This requires improving EU-level data collection on intersectional poverty, where appropriate, in particular the Social Scoreboard.












3.5.3.


The EU should explore ways to prevent socio-economic status leading to discrimination, and to combat stigma and unequal treatment.












3.5.4.


The EESC continues to call for efficient instruments to fight discrimination by re-assessing the introduction of an equal treatment directive.












3.5.5.


The APS should promote access to quality work, social protection, fair wages and essential services for migrants and asylum seekers. The EESC notes that in some Member States there are specific measures covering undocumented people, including pathways to regularisation.












3.5.6.


The APS should address the criminalisation of poverty, including homelessness and acts of solidarity. Poverty is often a major obstacle when accessing justice. People living in poverty face greater difficulties in obtaining legal aid and securing legal representation.




3.6.   Robust governance, funding, participation and fiscal justice









3.6.1.


Effective implementation of the APS requires strong governance and proper coordination within and between EU-institutions. A dedicated EU Anti-Poverty Coordinator with adequate competences should be considered to ensure policy coherence. A horizontal approach is called for, across all EU policies, addressing and where appropriate measuring the impact on poverty and the reduction of inequalities. Clear monitoring frameworks and progress indicators are needed, as well as the dissemination of best practices and benchmarking within the European Semester. Adequate resources (budget and staff) are also important to guarantee impactful implementation.












3.6.2.


The Member States bear the main responsibility to reach this goal. The APS is essential to coordinate the approach, but national governments need to take the respective decisions and action. The APS should promote and support strong, participatory National Anti-Poverty Strategies (NAPS) in all Member States, with a view to including candidate countries at some stage within its scope. The NAPS should not only establish systems, but also design policies to support the activation of rights where appropriate. Adoption and implementation of ambitious NAPS with measurable, time-bound targets aligned with the EU’s poverty-reduction goals should be encouraged by ESF+ and other EU cohesion instruments. The European Semester should remain the key mechanism to monitor and support social investment under NAPS, especially through the Country Specific Recommendations (CRSs).












3.6.3.


Crucially, funding must support the ambition to substantially reduce and eradicate poverty. Policymakers should align anti-poverty funding with tax systems that preserve economic dynamism while ensuring fairness (potentially advocating progressive national tax reforms e.g. on wealth and capital gains tax). The progress toward poverty targets and policy reforms and investment to implement the APS and NAPS should be included in the semester recommendation. Social investment in the CRSs, especially in education, healthcare, social protection and social inclusion in the National Reform Programme (NRPs) and through the NAPS, should be prioritised. This can involve prioritising social inclusion in the MFF post-2027 (potentially linking funds to NAPS adoption) and reforming EU economic governance (European Semester, fiscal rules) to prioritise social and environmental objectives and exclude necessary investments from deficit calculations.












3.6.4.


The EESC supports the proposals by the European social partners for new indicators complementing GDP in the social, economic and environmental fields (15), and has called for a ‘Beyond GDP’ scoreboard (16).




3.7.   Role of Social Partners and Civil Society Organisations in fighting poverty









3.7.1.


The specific role of social partners and their potential to help substantially reduce poverty must be fully respected in social dialogue structures. In particular, they can contribute to creating quality jobs and increasing collective bargaining coverage as suggested by the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive.












3.7.2.


To effectively advocate for those experiencing poverty and to empower them to speak up for themselves, civil society organisations require robust protection frameworks and sustainable, dedicated funding at European, at national as well as at local level. The EESC encourages networks connecting relevant civil society organisations across all Member States at all levels. Such networks, including smaller grassroots organisations, must be empowered to systematically share knowledge, develop anti-poverty strategies and amplify their collective voice in co-shaping policy. The Member States need to ensure the independence and right to advocacy of such networks as well as to provide them with appropriate resources.






Brussels, 17 July 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





(1)  Mission letter to the EC Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Brussels, 1 December 2024, p. 6: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/4cf63610-ed00-498a-a7c1-a2af5fd23173_en?filename=mission-letter-minzatu.pdf.

(2)  
            Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029, Strasbourg, 18 July 2024, p. 18: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en.

(3)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – New Action Plan on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/4203, 20.8.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4203/oj).

(4)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee — Recommendations of organised civil society to address the cost-of-living crisis (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/5151, 28.10.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/5151/oj).

(5)  
            https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal1#targets_and_indicators.

(6)  The AROPE rate is the share of the total population which is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. It is the main indicator to monitor the EU 2030 target on poverty and social exclusion and was the headline indicator to monitor the EU 2020 Strategy poverty target; https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:At_risk_of_poverty_or_social_exclusion_(AROPE).

(7)  EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) methodology is a Eurostat online publication describing the indicators and datasets of European Union's (EU) statistics on income and living conditions published in Eurostat's dissemination database; https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=EU_statistics_on_income_and_living_conditions_(EU-SILC)_methodology.

(8)  Council Recommendation of 30 January 2023 on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion 2023/C 41/01 (OJ C 41, 3.2.2023, p. 1), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2023_041_R_0001.

(9)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Older people in employment – systemic factors in choosing to work for longer (exploratory opinion requested by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU) (OJ C, C/2025/2017, 30.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/2017/oj).

(10)  
            Council Conclusions on Pension Adequacy, 20 June 2024: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/epsco/2024/06/20/.

(11)  
            https://www.ilo.org/living-wages.

(12)  See European Qualification Framework (EQF) https://esco.ec.europa.eu/en/about-esco/escopedia/escopedia/european-qualifications-framework-eqf.

(13)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Co-creation of services of general interest as a contribution to a more participative democracy in the EU (own-initiative opinion) (
OJ C 486, 21.12.2022, p. 76).

(14)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Tackling energy poverty and the EU's resilience: challenges from an economic and social perspective (exploratory opinion requested by the Czech Presidency) (
OJ C 486, 21.12.2022, p. 88), points 1.1, 1.3.

(15)  
            Supplementing GDP as welfare measure: https://est.etuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FINAL-BEYOND-GDP-SOCIAL-PARTNERS-EU.pdf.

(16)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Beyond GDP measures for a successful recovery and a sustainable and resilient EU economy’ (own-initiative opinion) (
OJ C 152, 6.4.2022, p. 7).




ANNEX
The following amendments, which received at least a quarter of the votes cast, were rejected during the discussions (Rule 74(3) of the Rules of Procedure):

AMENDMENT 2


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.1.1


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




The APS should represent a fundamental political shift, moving beyond moderate poverty reduction. In line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, the goal must be to end poverty. This requires a change in narrative, framing poverty not as an inevitable economic side-effect but as an avoidable violation of 
fundamental rights, resulting from systemic injustice rooted in the unequal distribution of wealth and power
. The APS 
must
 set out a clear path with medium-term, measurable goals to substantially reduce poverty in the EU. A multifaceted set of policies and measures, from EU to local levels, including well-functioning labour market policies, social services, adequate social protection, development of the social economy and fair taxation can 
lead to its eradication
.


The APS should represent a fundamental political shift, moving beyond moderate poverty reduction. In line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, the goal must be to end poverty. This requires a change in narrative, framing poverty not as an inevitable economic side-effect but as an avoidable violation of 
human dignity
. The APS 
should
 set out a clear path with medium-term, measurable goals to substantially reduce poverty in the EU. A multifaceted set of policies and measures, from EU to local levels, including well-functioning labour market policies, social services, adequate social protection, development of the social economy and fair taxation can 
successfully tackle poverty
.





Reason

To avoid ideological debate which goes beyond the focus of this opinion the amendment aims to find a decent compromise in more balanced language.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


80




Against:


96




Abstention:


05





AMENDMENT 4


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.3.1


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




The APS 
must
 recognise that employment is not 
an automatic
 guarantee against poverty. In-work poverty is a complex issue, requiring a holistic approach. Quality jobs – 
defined by secure forms of
 employment 
contracts
, fair wages, job security, workers’ rights, work-life balance, 
strong
 collective bargaining and access to social protection – are essential.


The APS 
should
 recognise that employment is not 
always a
 guarantee against poverty. In-work poverty is a complex issue, requiring a holistic approach. Quality jobs – 
featuring aspects such as sustainable
 employment 
provided by well-functioning and productive companies
, 
including
 fair wages, job security, workers’ rights, work-life balance, collective bargaining and access to social protection – are essential.





Reason

Employment can very often be considered as an important guarantee against poverty. This should be reflected in the text. While there is no need to enter into debate about the definition of ‘quality jobs’ here one could consider as a compromise highlighting in a balanced way some key features of such a concept.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


72




Against:


98




Abstention:


04





AMENDMENT 6


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.4.3


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




Specific actions should include enforcing the European Child Guarantee targets for ECEC, strengthening public LTC provision, aiming at affordable housing and energy (
using tools like enforcing bans on
 energy 
disconnections
), and increasing the ESF+ minimum allocation for food and material deprivation support.


Specific actions should include enforcing the European Child Guarantee targets for ECEC, strengthening public LTC provision, aiming at affordable housing and energy (
e.g. ensuring continuous access to
 energy 
for people in vulnerable situations as a guarantee measure to prevent exclusion and poverty
), and increasing the ESF+ minimum allocation for food and material deprivation support.





Reason

One should also refer to concrete access to energy. Continuous access covers prevention of disconnections but is more comprehensive.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


74




Against:


105




Abstention:


05





AMENDMENT 7


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.4.4


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




While respecting national competences, EU policy should promote a universal right to adequate housing and encourage Member States to expand social housing and provide financial support for those affected by the housing shortage. The EESC 
proposes a
 new ‘affordable housing target’ within the Action Plan 
to implement the EPSR
, followed up with an EU homelessness strategy based on benchmarking of national best practices and mutual learning. The APS should support the mutual understanding of the complexity of homelessness, requiring a mix of support and strengthening of cooperation between social administrations between Member States.


While respecting national competences, EU policy should promote a universal right to adequate housing and encourage Member States to expand social housing and provide financial support for those affected by the housing shortage. The EESC 
notes the discussion regarding the
 new ‘affordable housing target’ within the Action Plan, followed up with an EU homelessness strategy based on benchmarking of national best practices and mutual learning. The APS should support the mutual understanding of the complexity of homelessness, requiring a mix of support and strengthening of cooperation between social administrations between Member States.





Reason

While the concept of an ‘affordable housing target’ is unclear and its feasibility can be disputed, this amendment seeks to acknowledge the ongoing debate on the issue in a spirit of compromise.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


75




Against:


112




Abstention:


06





AMENDMENT 9


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.4.9


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




Preventing energy poverty, ensuring equal access to energy and the security of energy supply at affordable prices should be a European priority. To this end, Member States should be encouraged to draw up national plans and policies to 
eradicate
 energy poverty, integrating and ensuring consistency across all EU and national policy and funding instruments [1].


Preventing energy poverty, ensuring equal access to energy and the security of energy supply at affordable prices should be a European priority. To this end, Member States should be encouraged to draw up national plans and policies to 
effectively tackle
 energy poverty, integrating and ensuring consistency across all EU and national policy and funding instruments [1].





[1] OJ C 486, 21.12.2022, p. 88, 1.1, 1.3.



[1] OJ C 486, 21.12.2022, p. 88, 1.1, 1.3.





Reason

A more realistic aim while noting the relevance of the issue. Furthermore, the opinion quoted in footnote 14 states in point 1.1 that ‘Urgent measures need to be adopted to prevent and tackle energy poverty faced by EU citizens and consumers.’
            







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


75




Against:


113




Abstention:


02





AMENDMENT 10


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.4.10


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




Critically, as services digitalise, accessible, affordable and physical alternatives, as well as easy-to-navigate assistance, must be maintained to prevent digital exclusion. The EESC calls for a memorandum on the use of AI and data-driven welfare policies to fully assess their implications and 
the
 potential risks of surveillance
, control and discrimination against people experiencing poverty and other vulnerable groups. An impact assessment on the use of digital tools for the working conditions of social workers should also be conducted
.


Critically, as services digitalise, accessible, affordable and physical alternatives, as well as easy-to-navigate assistance, must be maintained to prevent digital exclusion. The EESC calls for a memorandum on the use of AI and data-driven welfare policies to fully assess their implications
, both the opportunities
 and potential risks of surveillance.





Reason

More realistic language. Working conditions of social workers should not be expanded to this opinion.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


71




Against:


112




Abstention:


01





AMENDMENT 11


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 3.6.3


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




Crucially, funding 
must
 support the ambition to substantially reduce 
and
 eradicate poverty. Policymakers should align anti-poverty funding with tax systems that preserve economic dynamism while ensuring fairness 
(potentially advocating progressive national tax reforms e.g. on wealth and capital gains tax)
. The progress toward poverty targets and policy reforms and investment to implement the APS and NAPS should be included in the semester recommendation. Social investment in the CRSs, especially in education, healthcare, social protection and social inclusion in the National Reform Programme (NRPs) and through the NAPS, should be 
prioritised
. This can involve 
prioritising
 social inclusion in the MFF post-2027 
(potentially linking funds to NAPS adoption) and reforming EU economic governance (European Semester, fiscal rules) to prioritise social and environmental objectives and exclude necessary investments from deficit calculations
.


Crucially, funding 
should
 support the ambition to substantially reduce 
poverty including
 eradicate 
extreme
 poverty. Policymakers should align anti-poverty funding with tax systems that preserve economic dynamism while ensuring fairness. The progress toward poverty targets and policy reforms and investment to implement the APS and NAPS should be included in the semester recommendation. Social investment in the CRSs, especially in education, healthcare, social protection and social inclusion in the National Reform Programme (NRPs) and through the NAPS, should be 
duly addressed
. This can involve 
appropriately considering
 social inclusion in the MFF post-2027.





Reason

Not helpful to address controversial national tax issues of MSs here. Established EU economic governance mechanisms are applicable when dealing with poverty related issues.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


75




Against:


117




Abstention:


02





AMENDMENT 12


SOC/829 – EU Anti-poverty Strategy


Point 1.1


Amend as follows:







Section opinion


Amendment




Poverty-reduction policies lie at the core of the EU’s values and call for urgent and effective action. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) outlines proposals for a comprehensive EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (APS) aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, with a rights-based approach, recognising poverty as a violation of 
fundamental rights
 and systemic injustice. It calls for a multidimensional definition of poverty, encompassing social, psychological, political and gender dimensions alongside material deprivation. The APS should 
set
 ambitious, measurable 
tools and
 targets
, such as reducing
 poverty 
by 50 %
 by 2030, and improve poverty measurement methodologies.


Poverty-reduction policies lie at the core of the EU’s values and call for urgent and effective action. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) outlines proposals for a comprehensive EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (APS) aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, with a rights-based approach, recognising poverty as a violation of 
human dignity
 and systemic injustice. It calls for a multidimensional definition of poverty, encompassing social, psychological, political and gender dimensions alongside material deprivation. The APS should 
continue to pursue
 ambitious, measurable targets 
for the progressive reduction of
 poverty by 2030 
to the maximum of Member States’ available resources
, and improve poverty measurement methodologies.





Reason

See amendment to point 3.1.1.







Outcome of the vote:





In favour:


76




Against:


107




Abstention:


02







ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/5147/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)