85 million citizens live at risk from poverty and MEPs in the Employment Committee called for an EU minimum income to help people live in dignity. It would cover those at risk by complementing their wages with additional financial support to ensure they d

Escaping the poverty trap

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/13770832/N001-100602-016-EN.srt

in what was supposed to be   the most competitive economy by 2020.

Many could end up homeless   like Willy Steppe

whose unemployment benefits   don’t cover the rent.

experiencing serious problems   and we’re not aware of it.

Minimum wages in Europe range   from 123 euros in Bulgaria

But wages alone   can't prevent poverty.

This MEP wants to bring in   an EU minimum income.

The guaranteed minimum income   should be seen as a complement

in cases where pensions   do not provide enough means.

It would be calculated at 60%   of the national average income.

But won't this strain already depleted   state coffers in a time of crisis?

Member States should be encouraged   to bring in a minimum income

particularly during the financial crisis,

because otherwise people   fall through the net,

and they go into poverty   and often never get out of it.

But some believe the system   may be open to abuse.

If it’s going to be used as a way   of lying about,

doing very little,   only working half-time

because the state will pick up the tab,   then it's not good.

Though the EU 2020 strategy   aims to reduce poverty,

MEPs have a long way to go to convince   others of the viability of their idea.