A recent report by the European Commission highlights the difficulties faced by people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in accessing essential services such as energy, transport, and digital communication. The report reveals that disadvantaged groups – including the Roma community, people with disabilities and the homeless – encounter significant challenges, particularly with energy and transport. The findings contribute to discussions on “energy poverty” and “transport poverty” and support the EU’s target of lifting at least 15 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2030. The report identifies structural barriers to access, such as affordability, lack of skills, and insufficient infrastructure, and highlights national and EU-wide measures to address these challenges and support equitable access to essential services.
Read the full report here.