Europeans want poverty tackled in their country

ALMOST three-quarters of Europeans consider poverty to be a widespread problem in their country, a comprehensive European Commission survey has found.

The survey, which polled 27,000 Europeans, also found that almost 90% believe urgent action is needed by their government to tackle the issue.

The findings come against a bleak picture of nearly 80 million people — or 16% of the EU population — living below the poverty line, and facing serious obstacles in accessing employment, education, housing, social and financial services.