The Minimum Income: fighting poverty and increased employment requires more effective support

On September 28, 2022, the European Commission called on Member States to modernise their minimum income schemes as part of the commitment to reduce poverty and social exclusion in Europe. The proposed Council Recommendation on an adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion sets out how Member States can modernise their minimum income schemes and increase their effectiveness, lifting citizens out of poverty while promoting the integration of those who can work into the labour market.

Although there is a minimum income in all Member States, these schemes vary considerably in terms of adequacy, reach and effectiveness in terms of providing support to citizens. Proposal for a Council Recommendation provides clear guidance to Member States on how to ensure the effectiveness of minimum income schemes in combating poverty and promoting active inclusion in society and in labour markets. EU funding is available to support Member States to improve their minimum income schemes and social infrastructure through reforms and investments.

Although there is a minimum income in all Member States, these schemes vary considerably in terms of adequacy, reach and effectiveness in terms of providing support to citizens. Proposal for a Council Recommendation provides clear guidance to Member States on how to ensure the effectiveness of minimum income schemes in combating poverty and promoting active inclusion in society and in labour markets. EU funding is available to support Member States to improve their minimum income schemes and social infrastructure through reforms and investments.

Although there is a minimum income in all Member States, these schemes vary considerably in terms of adequacy, reach and effectiveness in terms of providing support to citizens. Proposal for a Council Recommendation provides clear guidance to Member States on how to ensure the effectiveness of minimum income schemes in combating poverty and promoting active inclusion in society and in labour markets. EU funding is available to support Member States to improve their minimum income schemes and social infrastructure through reforms and investments.

The proposal will contribute to achieving the EU’s social target of at least 15 million fewer people at risk of poverty or exclusion by 2030, as set out in the Action Plan implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights. In addition, it will help Member States to reach the target of having at least 78 % of the population aged 20-64 in employment.

Better impact assessments for fair policies

The Commission also presented a Communication on a better assessment of the distributional impact of Member States’ reforms. It provides guidance on how to better target policies in a transparent manner, while ensuring that these policies contribute to tackling existing inequalities and taking into account the impact on different geographical areas and specific population groups, such as women, children and low-income households. The Communication provides guidance on policy areas, tools, indicators, timing, data and dissemination of information from the assessment. The presented guidance is also relevant for Member States when designing their minimum income schemes.

Find more information at: Minimalni dohodak: za borbu protiv siromaštva i veću zaposlenost potrebna je djelotvornija potpora (europa.eu)