Poverty and Social Exclusion in the Context of the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

Purpose: The article aims to analyze the differentiation in poverty and social exclusion in the European Union countries between 2010 and 2018. The empirical research was based on a database of sustainable development indicators, from which indicators describing poverty and social exclusion were selected. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research used one of the taxonomic methods – the TOPSIS method, based on which countries were divided into four classes characterized by a similar level of poverty and social exclusion. Findings: The research results show that the highest level of poverty and social exclusion (at least 20th place in the rankings) was recorded mainly in the EU countries after 2004, except for Greece and Portugal. On the other hand, Finland had the lowest level of poverty and social exclusion in 2010 (in 2018, it was ranked second), and in 2018 the Chech Republic, which, compared to 2010, moved up by four positions in the ranking. Practical Implications: The presented research results are essential for developing a policy of eradicating poverty and social exclusion. Well-functioning social protection systems can have a stabilizing effect on the economy and promote socio-economic equality. Originality/Value: The article contributes to the most current European and world scientific discussions on the need to eliminate poverty and social exclusion, which are some of the world's most severe social problems.