Luxembourg remains below the EU average in the number of people unable to afford a proper meal every second day despite increase, new Eurostat figures show.

Across the bloc, 8.5% of the population reported in 2024 that they could not afford a meal containing meat, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent every other day – down from 9.5% in 2023 according to latest Eurostat figures.

RTL

© Eurostat

The rate is significantly higher among those at risk of poverty, at 19.4%, compared with 6.4% for people not at risk.

The Grand Duchy sits below the EU average, reflecting  its comparatively high incomes and a stronger welfare system despite a negligible 0.1% rise from 6.9% to 7% between 2023 and 2024.

The widest gaps were recorded in parts of Eastern Europe. In Slovakia, 39.8% of people at risk of poverty said they could not afford a proper meal, followed by 37.7% in Bulgaria and 37.3% in Hungary. By contrast, Cyprus reported the lowest rate (3.5%), ahead of Ireland and Portugal (both 5.1%).

Eurostat reports the ability to afford a proper meal is one of the items used to calculate the severe material and social deprivation rate, part of the broader indicator on poverty and social exclusion under the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan.

Read also: One in five Luxembourg residents at risk of poverty