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17% of the EU population is considered on the brink of poverty, living with less than 60% of the average national
income
Social protection reduces poverty rates by 32% in the EU
The most affected EU countries are Latvia (26%), Romania (23%) and Bulgaria (21%)
Henri Lourdelle, representative of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said: We have generated new
workplaces in the EU, but they tend to be characterised by precarious conditions. He added: in Europe there are 20 million
workers who do not have the necessary income to ensure acceptable standards in society and he declared himself in favour
of an instrument for offering a funding guarantee [...].
Such a framework directive is necessary, as the absence of some common standards has led to significant differences
regarding the way in which EU countries tackle the problem of poverty, said Elisabeth Lynne (Liberal and Democrat
Alliance Group for Europe, U.K.).
However, the idea of a minimum income might face several obstacles. Besides the Parliament debates, the proposal could be
blocked in the Council, warned Mrs. Lynne.