[3 June 2026, Cyprus] More than 100 people will gather in Cyprus on 4–5 June for the 24th European People Experiencing Poverty (PEP) Meeting, organised by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) in cooperation with the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and co-hosted by EAPN Cyprus.The event will bring together people experiencing poverty from more than 20 European countries, representatives of European institutions, policymakers, and grassroots organisations. Discussions will focus on the recently released EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and on how experts by experience can engage with its implementation.
“We have seen a strong willingness from Vice-President Roxana Minzatu to include people experiencing poverty in the fight against poverty and the strategy acknowledges the importance of participation. However, it is still not clear how this participation process will take shape. We are not going to simply sit and wait. Representatives of the European Commission will be present at this event, and we will tell them how this participation should take place,” says Stalo Konstantinou, a person experiencing poverty from EAPN Cyprus.
“We are very happy that these discussions can take place among people experiencing poverty and that more and more institutions are coming to join us where we are. This is already part of what real participation looks like,” adds Eleni Karoli, Vice-President of EAPN and President of EAPN Cyprus.
“For the Cyprus Presidency, it was crucial to host this meeting immediately after the communication of the first ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy by the European Commission. In Cyprus, at least 14.9% of the population is living at risk of poverty, following High level Meeting No Child is Left Behind: Promoting Child Well-Being and Combating Child Poverty” Lefkosia (Nicosia), Cyprus 20-21 May 2026. We need to remember that these are not just numbers; they are people of all ages. Poverty must be tackled at every level, and we need the courage to listen to people’s experiences, learn from them, and hear their criticism. We hope that many good ideas will emerge from this gathering.” adds a Representative of Cyprus Presidency.
The European PEP Meeting has been taking place for 24 years. Each year, participants reflect on the most urgent priorities for combating poverty effectively, helping to keep poverty eradication high on the political agenda. The meeting is the result of a process that begins at local and national levels and promotes participation and inclusion.
EAPN
The European Anti-Poverty Network
