The European Commission Consultation with People Experiencing Poverty (PEP), held on 17–18 September 2025 in Porto alongside the Porto Social Forum, marked a key step in shaping the future EU Anti-Poverty Strategy (APS). It provided a participatory and democratic space for People Experiencing Poverty to directly influence the strategy’s vision, priorities and governance.
Over two days, 21 delegates from across Europe engaged in capacity-building, thematic policy discussions and a high-level dialogue with Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and DG Employment representatives. Designed and facilitated by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) with EAPN Portugal, the consultation centred on essential services, housing, digitalisation, active inclusion, discrimination, in-work poverty and governance.
This report outlines the process and key outcomes, highlighting a central proposal: to embed lived experience in the Anti-Poverty Strategy through permanent participatory mechanisms, including a dedicated PEP Committee.