Poverty rate in Belgium falls to 11.5 per cent, below EU average

Belgium Reports Significant Decrease in Poverty Levels

Belgium has witnessed a notable decrease in poverty since 2019, with only 11.5 per cent of the population now living below the poverty threshold, according to a new report from the Federal Public Service for Social Security, reports 24brussels.

This figure remains significantly below the EU average of 16.2 per cent, with only the Czech Republic achieving better results. The poverty line, defined as 60 per cent of median income, translates to 1,520 euros per month for an individual and 3,191 euros for a family of four. In 2019, 14.8 per cent of Belgians fell below this threshold, indicating that increased benefits and minimum wages have positively affected poverty levels.

However, the report identifies a critical area of concern: families with low work intensity. In 11.3 per cent of households, less than a fifth of working-age adults are employed, the highest rate in Europe, contrasted with the EU average of 7.9 per cent. This highlights ongoing challenges in integrating work opportunities for low-income households.

^{Food distribution in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}