Gabriela Firea· S&D

Nuanced

In Europe in 2026, over 93 million people live with fear of tomorrow, of whom 20 million are children.

Omissions

• The data cited refers to 2024, not 2026. The claim was made in February 2026, when 2024 was the most recent complete year with available Eurostat data.
• The actual number of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion was 19.5 million (not 20 million), representing 24.2% of children under 18.
• The indicator used is 'at risk of poverty or social exclusion' (AROPE), which combines three conditions: risk of poverty, severe material and social deprivation, and very low work intensity.
• The 2024 data was published by Eurostat in April-May 2025, meaning it was the most current official statistic available at the time of the speech.

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat - People at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024In 2024, 93.3 million people in the EU (21.0% of the population) were at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
• PrimaryEurostat - 24% of EU children at poverty risk or social exclusionIn 2024, 19.5 million children in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, representing 24.2% of children under 18.