Understanding Europe’s most vulnerable in six EU Member States: Socio-economic profiles of FEAD end beneficiaries

This policy brief draws on the survey data to analyse the socio-economic conditions of FEAD beneficiaries, with a focus on key demographic trends and regional disparities.The analysis focuses on six countries—Belgium, Spain, Finland, Hungary, Poland, and Romania - that provided detailed regional data, enabling a nuanced exploration of localized poverty dynamics and the impact of FEAD interventions. Across the six countries analysed women make up the majority of FEAD beneficiaries (67.6%), with individuals aged 25–49 comprising the largest group (43.8%). However, distinct patterns emerge across countries, reflecting specific re-gional vulnerabilities and demographics. Food packages are the primary form of FEAD aid, reaching 86.8% of recipients. Additional support includes hygiene kits, clothing, and other essential goods, with variations in availability and distribution across countries and regions. While 91% of FEAD beneficiaries report stable housing, significant regional disparities persist. Precarious housing conditions are more preva-lent in Romania and Poland, contrasting with near-universal housing stability in Hungary and Finland. FEAD assistance is widely perceived as effec-tive, with 74.8% of beneficiaries rating it as “helpful”. Most beneficiaries rely on social benefits or household members' income rather than labour earnings, emphasizing the critical role of social safety nets in supporting at-risk populations with low work intensity.