By the EESC's Civil Society Organisations' Group

A new study by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the intergenerational aspect of poverty and presents an evidence-based definition of this phenomenon based on 10 key drivers. It examines how EU policy addresses these factors and identifies areas where further action is needed, particularly with regard to parental education levels and family stability. 

The study on Breaking the cycle of disadvantage - Reviewing EU policy through the lens of poverty was published in connection with the EU's first-ever Anti-Poverty strategy, presented by the European Commission in May 2026.  

Cillian Lohan, president of the EESC's Civil Society Organisations' Group, which requested the study, said: ‘With this study, we draw attention to the deep-rooted factors that perpetuate poverty over one’s life course and across generations, something we call "intergenerational poverty". The EU must strongly support Member States' efforts to combat poverty and ensure that policies reach local communities. Civil society, drawing on its long-standing commitment and expertise, stands ready to contribute.’ 

The EESC study identifies 10 key drivers of intergenerational poverty and analyses how 32 selected EU policy instruments address them and could be improved. It highlights the importance of examining parental education levels and family stability, and proposes an evidence-based definition of intergenerational poverty. 

The EU Anti-Poverty strategy emphasises that new investments and reforms need to be poverty-proof. The EESC study provides a novel research framework that could help the European institutions assess the potential impact of future policies on intergenerational poverty from the earliest stages of policy design. It also offers valuable insights for shaping the EU's next long-term budget (2028-2034), which is currently still under negotiation. 

The EESC, along with its Civil Society Organisations' Group, have long been active in addressing the issue of poverty, with the EESC preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding on the EU Anti-Poverty strategy between its President, Séamus Boland, and European Commission Vice-President, Roxana Mînzatu. This study reflects and complements the EESC's commitment to working towards eradicating poverty. The EESC will soon deliver its views on the proposals for the Anti-Poverty strategy, on strengthening the EU Child Guarantee and on the role of civil society in Europe's fight against poverty.