In 2024, 6.4% of the European Union population faced severe material and social deprivation, marking a slight improvement compared to 2023 (6.8%). However, inequalities remain significant, particularly across age groups and between genders. Cyprus ranked fifth-lowest, with a deprivation rate of just 2.5%.

According to Eurostat, children and adolescents under 18 are the most vulnerable group, with a deprivation rate of 7.9%. They are followed by adults aged 18–64 (6.4%) and seniors aged 65 and over (5.1%). Gender disparities are also evident: women experience higher deprivation rates (6.6%) than men (6.2%), a pattern observed across all age groups except minors.

Among the 27 EU member states, the highest rates of severe material and social deprivation were recorded in Romania (17.2%), Bulgaria (16.6%), and Greece (14.0%). In contrast, the lowest levels were reported in Slovenia (1.8%), Croatia (2.0%), and Poland (2.3%). Cyprus stands out with one of the lowest rates in Europe at 2.5%, ranking fifth overall.