One fifth of the population has a monthly income below the poverty line, which, according to the available data of 2021, amounts to 24,064 dinars, i.e. just over 200 euros. The most vulnerable of this group are the young and those over 65.
According to the latest available data, the risk of poverty in Serbia is 21.2% of the population. EURACTIV explores what it means to be poor in Serbia.
One fifth of the population has a monthly income below the poverty line, which, according to the available data of 2021, amounts to 24,064 dinars, i.e. just over 200 euros. The most vulnerable of this group are the young and those over 65.
“One fifth of the population cannot meet basic living needs. In 2021, the minimum consumer basket averaged 39,622 dinars. However, the method of measuring income poverty does not include the availability of healthcare, education and many other services in society,” Professor Natalija Perišić, at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, told EURACTIV.
Perišić explains that the right to social assistance (NSP), to which those without sufficient means of living are theoretically entitled, has been implemented in Serbia for decades. However, it is necessary to meet strict conditions, which is indicated by the fact that the population coverage by the NSP is 2.9%.
According to the data of the National Employment Service, at the end of February this year, 429,351 unemployed people were registered.
“Over the past ten years, the number of unemployed people has been continuously decreasing,” the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Social Affairs and Veterans told EURACTIV.
Perišić agrees that employment is the best way to fight poverty, which does not mean that workers are not poor.
Various social services have been developed in the Social Work Centers, especially psychosocial assistance.
The Red Cross coordinates the work of the food pantries in 77 cities and towns of Serbia, and 32,492 meals are prepared and distributed every day.
“From the funds provided in the budget of the Republic, the Red Cross is trying to distribute 50,500 portions of aid in the form of family food and hygiene packages to the most vulnerable citizens. About 125,000 people in almost 3,000 inhabited places are receiving this help,” explains the Red Cross.
The needs of the most vulnerable people concern food, hygiene products, shoes and clothes.
Source: Euractiv
