17 October marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. As we continue to call for the EU to take the lead in the fight to eradicate poverty, here you can find why coordinated action between the EU, national and local levels, together with participation, is crucial.
In 2025, the campaign focuses on two main aspects: the National and Local Anti-Poverty Strategies and the importance of Participation of People Experiencing Poverty.
Coordinated action across the EU: Why we need it?
An EU Anti-Poverty Strategy is essential, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To eradicate poverty, we need robust, well-funded and participatory National and Local Anti-Poverty Strategies (NAPS & LAPS).
Why?
- The EU’s current powers don’t allow it to act comprehensively without national and local partners.
- For example, the EU cannot directly redistribute income through unemployment benefits or pensions but can support coordination and minimum standards in this area.
- This is why the Union’s role should be to enable and support action at those levels, not to replace it.
To break it down, we’ve just released a video with contributions from our National Networks. Find out how NAPS & LAPS can be tools for tangible change in people’s lives, affecting everything from housing and energy costs to local services.
Nothing About Us, Without Us: What is Meaningful Participation
Efficient policies are shaped by the people who understand poverty best: People Experiencing Poverty (PEP). At all levels of governance! That’s why we are championing the creation of a Civil Society Committee and a PEP Committee within the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.
What does meaningful participation look like?
- Involving people in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies
- Offering fair compensation for people’s time and expertise
- Ensuring participation reflects the diversity of people in Europe
And so much more!
Your voice can shape the fight against poverty. Get informed, get involved, and help shape the anti-poverty plans in your community.
EAPN National Poverty Watch Report
The National Poverty Watches are a compilation of qualitative and quantitative data and analysis from the countries of EAPN national networks, as well as testimonies from people experiencing poverty (PeP).
Poverty Watch Belgium 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Belgium 2025 (NL)
Poverty Watch Finland 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Greece 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Ireland 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Latvia 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Norway 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Norway 2025 (NW)
Poverty Watch Poland 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Portugal 2025 (EN)
Poverty Watch Slovakia 2025 (EN)
Across Europe, EAPN’s national members are organising events, campaigns and activities to raise awareness, share lived experiences and push for stronger anti-poverty policies. From public actions and local debates to creative initiatives and advocacy efforts, their work shines a spotlight on poverty as a structural issue that demands collective solutions.
