A quarter of Romanian youth (25.4%) is suffering from severe material and social deprivation, according to Eurostat.
This is the highest rate in the European Union and more than four times the average of 6% for the whole 27-country bloc.
Severe material and social deprivation is described as an enforced lack of necessary and desirable items to lead an adequate life.
Young people aged 15-29 are seen as suffering from it if they are unable to meet seven out of 13 criteria including a capacity to face unexpected expenses, to keep their home adequately warm, to replace worn-out furniture, clothes or shoes, to have access to a car for personal use, or to have an internet connection among others.
Sociologists say it's due to a lack of social policies and paid jobs. In 2022, Romania also had the highest rate of 15-29 year-olds that were neither in employment nor in education and training at 19.8%, well above the EU average of 11.7%.
Bulgaria at 18.6% has the second-highest rate in the EU with Greece coming in third with a 14.9% rate.
On the other hand, the proportion was less than 3% in 12 European states such as In contrast, the rate was below 3% in 12 EU members: Slovenia, Austria, Luxembourg, Croatia, Poland, Czechia, the Netherlands, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Finland and Sweden.
