One third believe poverty is widespread in Cyprus

ONLY 34 percent of Cypriots believe that poverty is widespread on the island, compared to the European average of 73 percent, according to a Eurobarometer poll on member states’ attitudes to poverty.

The poll also showed that 9 out of 10 Europeans want action on poverty.

Over 27,000 people were interviewed on a variety of poverty related subjects, such as the perceived personal and societal reasons behind poverty, who is thought to be most at risk, if people feel somehow threatened by the possible prospect of poverty, how poverty may prevent people from taking full advantage of society, as well as how easy or difficult they perceive access to financial services to be.

Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Špidla said that “While most people see their national government as primarily responsible, three quarters also expect the EU to play an important role. Next year’s European Year gives us the perfect opportunity to put the fight against poverty centre stage across the EU.”

Despite the Cypriots’ optimism, nearly 80 million people, or 16 percent of the EU population now live below the poverty line.

They face serious obstacles to accessing employment, education, housing, social and financial services. However poverty does not only affect the well being of individuals and their ability to play a part in society; they also impair economic development. The EU therefore stresses the importance of collective responsibility in combating poverty, involving decision makers and actors in the public and private sectors.