The European Commission published a statement in Brussels on October 16, 2026, ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In the document prepared by Executive Vice-President Mynzatu, it is stressed that poverty should not determine a person's future. Despite the efforts undertaken in European Union member states, a significant portion of the population continues to face difficulties accessing basic needs — housing, heating, food, healthcare, and education. The statement notes that one in several Europeans faces the risk of poverty or social exclusion, although precise figures are not specified in the provided excerpt. The European Commission intends to continue focusing attention on the issue of social inequality and the need for systematic support measures for vulnerable population groups. The statement is timed to coincide with the annual date established by the United Nations to draw the global community's attention to the problem of poverty and the necessity of its eradication. European institutions traditionally use this day to update social policy strategies and issue calls to member states to strengthen measures to reduce poverty, including affordable housing, employment support, and social guarantees.