Despite pockets of economic recovery, poverty remains a persistent and growing issue in Europe. According to the latest 2024 data from Eurostat, more than one in five Europeans-over 21%-are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. While this represents a slight decrease of 0.4% from 2023, experts warn that the change is largely superficial and does not reflect a meaningful improvement in living conditions. A Worrying Trend Across the EU Over the past three years, at least eleven EU member states have seen a rise in poverty levels. The situation affects vulnerable groups disproportionately, particularly women and young adults, who are more likely to face financial hardship and social isolation. The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) was quick to downplay any optimism sparked by the marginal drop in figures, stating: "There is no cause for celebration when food bank lines grow longer, more people sleep on the streets, and the demand...